Tanzania election violence: UN reports hundreds killed amid allegations of evidence concealment

11/13/2025 / By Belle Carter

Tanzania’s Oct. 29 general election, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan won 97 percent of the vote, was marred by violent protests, mass arrests and allegations of a brutal security crackdown. The UN reports hundreds may have been killed, with opposition groups claiming over 1,000 deaths.
Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu (Chadema party) was disqualified and detained on treason charges before the election. Protests erupted nationwide, met with live ammunition and disproportionate force, including reports of indiscriminate shootings and bodies being removed to conceal evidence.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) criticized Tanzania’s internet blackout and restricted access, preventing independent verification of casualties. High Commissioner Volker Türk demanded accountability, transparency and the return of remains to families.
The African Union cited ballot stuffing, the expulsion of monitors and the exclusion of opposition candidates as violations of democratic norms. Despite some opposition leaders being released on bail, over 300 protesters—including minors—remain detained on treason charges.
Hassan, who took office after Magufuli’s death, faces criticism for suppressing dissent. The international community is urged to hold Tanzania accountable before the crisis escalates further.

Tanzania’s Oct. 29 general election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with 97 percent of the vote, has been marred by violent protests, mass arrests and allegations of a brutal crackdown by security forces.

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) revealed Tuesday, Nov. 11, that hundreds may have been killed, with disturbing reports of bodies being removed from streets and hospitals to obscure evidence. Opposition groups claim the death toll exceeds 1,000, while the government dismisses these figures as exaggerated.

The election, criticized by international observers for failing to meet democratic standards, was already contentious after the disqualification of Hassan’s main rivals, including opposition leader Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party. Lissu, detained on treason charges since April, had called for electoral reforms, warning that Tanzania’s political system was rigged against fair competition.

Protests erupted nationwide following the vote, met with what the UN described as “unnecessary or disproportionate force,” including live ammunition. Witnesses reported security forces firing indiscriminately into crowds, while hospitals allegedly refused to release bodies to grieving families. John Kitoka, a Chadema spokesperson, told the media that party members documented killings in at least eight regions, accusing police and unidentified armed units of systematic violence.

UN demands accountability amid internet blackout

The OHCHR has been unable to independently verify casualty numbers due to an internet shutdown and restricted access to affected areas. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the alleged cover-up, stating: “There are disturbing reports that security forces have been seen removing bodies from streets and hospitals and taking them to undisclosed locations in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.”

Türk called for an independent investigation and urged Tanzanian authorities to disclose the whereabouts of missing persons and return remains to families. The African Union Election Observation Mission echoed concerns, citing ballot stuffing, expulsion of monitors and the exclusion of opposition candidates as violations of democratic norms.

Crackdown continues as opposition leaders released on bail

While some detained opposition figures, including Chadema’s vice chairman, were released on bail Monday, over 300 protesters—including minors—remain in custody, many facing treason charges. The government maintains that security forces acted lawfully against “criminal elements,” denying allegations of excessive force.

Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, has faced mounting criticism over her administration’s suppression of dissent, BrightU.AI‘s Enoch cites. Despite pledging to investigate alleged abductions of critics last year, no findings have been made public.

The escalating crisis in Tanzania underscores the dangers of electoral authoritarianism and the lengths to which regimes may go to silence opposition. With the UN demanding transparency and families still searching for missing loved ones, the international community faces pressure to hold Tanzania’s government accountable—before the death toll climbs further.

Watch the video below that talks about election integrity.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.