DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA – The Tanzanian government announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, that it is officially reviewing a CNN investigation alleging that security forces fatally shot unarmed protesters and disposed of bodies in mass graves following the country's contentious general election on October 29. The report, which has drawn sharp international condemnation, adds to a growing body of evidence detailing a violent crackdown on civilians protesting an election widely dismissed as fraudulent.

In a brief statement, government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa confirmed the government has “taken note” of the documentary and is “currently reviewing and verifying its contents,” with an official response to follow. This marks a shift from the government's initial outright denial that any protesters were killed.

The CNN investigation, published on November 20, 2025, utilized geolocated videos, satellite imagery, audio forensic analysis, and eyewitness accounts to document the alleged atrocities. The report includes verified footage of overflowing morgues at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam and Sekou-Toure Regional Referral Hospital in Mwanza. Furthermore, satellite imagery of Kondo Cemetery, north of Dar es Salaam, revealed disturbed soil consistent with witness reports of mass burials.

Disputed Election and Violent Aftermath

The crisis erupted after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner with 97.66% of the vote. The election was preceded by the disqualification of major opposition parties, including Chadema, and the arrest of its leader, Tundu Lissu, on treason charges in April. These actions effectively removed any significant challenge to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

Protests broke out across the country on election day, which were met with a severe response from security forces. The government imposed a nationwide internet blackout from October 29, severely restricting the flow of information and making it difficult for journalists and observers to verify events. The shutdown, which lasted for five days, is estimated to have cost the Tanzanian economy over $72 million.

Human rights organizations have condemned the violence. Human Rights Watch reported on November 4 that authorities responded to protests with “lethal force and other abuses” and called for an end to the use of excessive force. Amnesty International had warned on October 20 of a “wave of terror” and “systematic human rights violations” in the lead-up to the vote. The United Nations Human Rights Office stated it had received credible information suggesting hundreds of civilians may have been killed.

International Pressure Mounts

The international community has voiced strong criticism of the election and subsequent violence. On November 3, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission concluded the election “fell short of the requirements of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.” The European Union and the European Parliament also declared the elections were not free or fair, citing an atmosphere of intimidation and repression.

In the United States, senior senators from the Foreign Relations Committee issued a joint statement on November 13, describing the election as “marred by state-sponsored political repression, targeted abductions and manipulation.” They called for a “genuine assessment of the U.S. bilateral relationship with Tanzania” in light of the events.

President Suluhu, who was sworn in for her second term on November 3, had previously acknowledged some casualties without providing figures and launched a commission to investigate the unrest. However, she also suggested that protesters were paid and that some were foreigners, a claim that has drawn further criticism.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

The instability in Tanzania, a key trading partner and member of the East African Community (EAC), poses significant risks for Kenya and the wider region. Disruption to trade routes, potential refugee flows, and a chilling effect on democratic norms are among the primary concerns. The Kenyan government has reportedly expressed its concerns to its Tanzanian counterparts regarding the safety of its citizens. The unfolding crisis will be closely watched in Nairobi and other regional capitals, as the political and economic fallout could have lasting consequences for East African integration and stability. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.