Is Tanzania heading for deeper upheaval?

Tanzania cancelled its Independence Day celebrations on December 9, 2025, following calls for peaceful protests by opposition groups. These groups are contesting the results of the October election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was re-elected with 98% of the vote, and the subsequent police crackdown that reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths. The government has warned that any demonstration will be considered an attempted coup. The United States has also announced it is reconsidering its relationship with Tanzania. The situation raises concerns about the future political stability of the nation and whether opposition voices will be heard.

Tanzania experienced heightened security on Tuesday, its independence day, due to planned anti-government protests demanding political reforms following October's post-election unrest. Major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza saw increased police and military presence, leading to deserted streets as residents stayed indoors. While no major demonstrations occurred by sunset, the atmosphere remained tense. The police assured the public of their safety and dismissed social media reports of ongoing protests. Public transport was suspended, and motorists faced frequent checks at roadblocks. Activists urged supporters to remain alert, hinting at potential demonstrations later in the day.

Tanzania heightened security measures on December 9, 2025, including halting public transport and urging non-essential workers to stay home, to prevent protests against the disputed October 29 election results. The government outlawed the planned demonstrations, deeming them illegal and akin to a coup attempt. This followed the ruling party's victory, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan won nearly 98% of the vote after leading opposition candidates were barred. Previous rallies contesting the election faced a crackdown resulting in hundreds of deaths and over 2,000 detentions. Police and soldiers patrolled major cities, including Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, on Tanzania's Independence Day. The UN estimates that at least 700 people were extrajudicially killed in the post-election violence.

Western embassies in Tanzania are pressing the government to release the bodies of those killed during post-election violence in October. The embassies cite credible reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and concealment of bodies by Tanzanian authorities. The violence followed the presidential election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner amidst widespread criticism of its fairness and an internet blackout. The embassies are also urging the government to release political prisoners and ensure detainees receive legal and medical assistance. They are calling for an independent and transparent investigation into the violence, involving civil society and political stakeholders, while reiterating the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms.

Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi, a vocal critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has had her Instagram accounts removed after being accused of inciting deadly election protests following the disputed October 29th elections. Kimambi, based in the US and with nearly three million followers, believes the Tanzanian government pressured Meta to silence her. Meta stated the accounts were removed for violating its recidivism policy, preventing the creation of new accounts similar to those previously removed for violating community standards. The Tanzanian government denies instigating the removal and demands proof of Kimambi's claims. The Attorney-General previously stated the need to arrest Kimambi for directing protests through social media, while President Samia has defended the use of force against protesters.