Mass arrests, treason charges, and deadly crackdowns follow Tanzania’s disputed October 29 election, raising global concerns over democracy.

November 10, 2025-Tanzania is in the midst of a deepening political crisis following the October 29 general election. The vote has sparked mass arrests, treason charges, and deadly crackdowns on protesters. Analysts warn the unrest could destabilise the nation’s democratic institutions and affect regional economic stability.

Post-Election Violence and Casualties

Reports indicate that hundreds, possibly over a thousand, people have died in the days following the election. The opposition party Chadema claims the death toll exceeds 700. Human rights groups estimate that fatalities could reach 3,000. At a funeral in Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi declared, “The punishment for protests is not to shoot and kill,” highlighting growing outrage over the government’s response.

Families of victims say the military used live ammunition against demonstrators, and local hospitals report treating hundreds of injured civilians. The crackdown has left communities in fear, and social media accounts detail ongoing incidents of violence in major cities and rural areas alike.

Opposition Crackdown and Treason Charges

Security forces have arrested senior Chadema leader Amani Golugwa, along with several party officials. Warrants have been issued for dozens more involved in post-election demonstrations.

At least 145 individuals face treason charges, accused of plotting to obstruct the electoral process. Analysts say the government’s actions appear designed to paralyze the opposition and limit political competition. Opposition members claim the arrests violate constitutional rights, while civil society groups have condemned what they call “selective persecution.”

Disputed Victory and Authoritarian Concerns

President Samia Suluhu Hassan reportedly secured 97–98 percent of the vote. Observers have widely disputed the results, noting irregularities and restrictions on campaigning. Security forces deployed heavily to suppress dissent, while civil society activists faced intimidation and arrest.

Analysts suggest the election reflects a broader authoritarian shift. By restricting opposition activity and controlling public discourse, the government risks undermining trust in democratic institutions. The crackdown has drawn attention from regional bodies concerned with election fairness and transparency.

Global Attention and Economic Risks

The African Union and the United Nations have urged independent investigations into the killings. Analysts warn political instability could deter foreign investment, hinder development programs, and disrupt regional trade.

Economists emphasize that investor confidence depends on transparency and stability. With Tanzania facing scrutiny over human rights, donors may reconsider aid and multilateral programs, potentially affecting projects in infrastructure, health, and education.

Legal Criticism and Rule-of-Law Challenges

Treason indictments have sparked criticism. Boniface Mwabukusi of the Tanganyika Law Society called the charges “a mockery of justice.” Opposition leaders assert the arrests aim to suppress dissent and restrict political competition.

Civil society groups continue documenting human rights violations. Security forces’ use of excessive force has drawn condemnation from church leaders and community organizations. Analysts say that such measures could deepen societal divisions and risk further escalation if unaddressed.

Regional Implications

Observers note that the crackdown carries broader consequences for East Africa. Neighboring countries are watching closely, as Tanzania’s approach may influence political norms in the region. Trade and cross-border investment could be affected if the crisis undermines confidence in governance and stability.

The government’s response also sends a signal to multinational investors monitoring the East African market. A perception of unpredictability and authoritarianism may deter foreign capital, affecting sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and tourism.

Calls for Dialogue and Accountability

Despite the crisis, some officials are advocating for dialogue and reconciliation. Archbishop Ruwa’ichi stressed, “There can be no peace without justice.” Analysts say transparency in reporting casualties, independent investigations, and meaningful engagement with opposition leaders are essential to prevent further unrest.

Political commentators argue that Tanzania has a narrow window to restore credibility. The coming weeks will determine whether reforms are implemented or repression becomes entrenched. International and domestic scrutiny will be key in shaping the country’s democratic trajectory.

Bottom Line

The post-election crackdown in Tanzania is more than a domestic issue; it is a global concern. How the government handles human rights allegations, manages dissent, and restores public trust will define its credibility. Investors, policymakers, and citizens alike are watching closely. The events following the October 29 election serve as a litmus test for governance, institutional integrity, and democratic resilience in Tanzania.

President Hassan wins Tanzania’s 2025 poll by a landslide as opposition protests and global observers question the credibility of the vote.

DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 8 — President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won a landslide victory in Tanzania’s October 2025 general election, tightening her grip on power but prompting violent protests and international criticism over the vote’s credibility, compounded by the April barring of CHADEMA from the polls.

The National Electoral Commission said Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, secured 97.7 percent of the vote, extending her Chama Cha Mapinduzi party’s six-decade rule. The announcement followed weeks of tension and an opposition boycott that observers said limited voter choice.

The ruling party celebrated the result as “a strong mandate for stability.” But the opposition branded the process a “political theatre”, claiming intimidation and widespread arrests. According to Reuters, several opposition leaders were detained before polls opened, and at least two major parties were barred from fielding candidates.

“This was not an election — it was a coronation,” said Tundu Lissu, an exiled opposition leader, speaking by phone from Brussels. “The world must not normalize authoritarianism disguised as democracy.”

Witnesses told Bloomberg that police fired tear gas and live bullets in Dar es Salaam and Arusha as protests flared after results were announced. The United Nations Human Rights Office said it had “credible reports” of at least ten deaths and urged authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.

Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa dismissed the claims, telling state broadcaster TBC that security forces “acted within the law to restore order.”

Electoral Process Under Scrutiny

The African Union observer mission reported that the vote “did not meet regional and international standards.” It cited ballot-stuffing, intimidation of poll agents, and the absence of independent monitoring. A senior Western diplomat in Nairobi told The East African the election’s credibility issues could “strain investor confidence across East Africa.”

Hassan’s government rejected the allegations, insisting the process was transparent. “The people have spoken clearly,” said Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa at a victory rally. “We will now focus on jobs, infrastructure, and digital transformation.”

Stability and Investor Sentiment

Economists said the landslide consolidates Hassan’s control but could test Tanzania’s democratic reputation. “The president’s economic reforms remain popular with business,” said Zitto Kabwe, an economist and former MP, “but her legitimacy gap could widen if dissent is suppressed.”

The Tanzania shilling remained steady at 2,540 per dollar, and the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange posted minor losses. Analysts told Bloomberg the muted reaction shows investors expect policy continuity, especially in mining, tourism, and energy — key sectors of the $85 billion economy.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch urged an independent probe into the post-election violence, while the European Union called for “genuine dialogue” between the government and opposition parties.

Regional and International Reactions

The African Union, United Nations, and Commonwealth appealed for calm and inclusivity. “Tanzania remains a pillar of regional stability,” said AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, “but stability without participation is fragile.”

Diplomatic sources told Reuters that talks are underway to facilitate post-election reconciliation.

Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021, has positioned herself as a modernizer intent on restoring Tanzania’s global image. “We will govern for all Tanzanians, regardless of political affiliation,” she said at her swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma.

Still, opposition leader Freeman Mbowe warned that “without reform, Tanzania risks sliding deeper into one-party rule.”

The Road Ahead

Analysts say Hassan must now balance political control with economic growth. “Her challenge is to restore trust without appearing weak,” said Fatma Karume, a prominent lawyer and governance advocate.

For many Tanzanians, stability remains paramount — but so does the hope of a fairer democracy. The world will be watching whether the government can deliver both.

Uganda sets January 15 2026 election date as President Museveni faces Bobi Wine in a high-stakes vote watched globally.

KAMPALA, Oct. 23, 2025 — Uganda’s Electoral Commission on Wednesday announced that national elections will take place on January 15, 2026, setting the stage for another political showdown between President Yoweri Museveni and opposition leader Bobi Wine.

The poll date, confirmed in an official statement posted on the commission’s website, starts a high-stakes countdown for Africa’s third-longest-serving leader. Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986 and is widely expected to seek a seventh elected term under the banner of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

A tightening political field

Analysts say Museveni’s decision to run again could deepen tensions in a country where calls for leadership transition have grown louder. “The next election will test Uganda’s institutions more than any before,” said Moses Khisa, a political scientist at Makerere University. “The stakes are enormous for both the regime and the opposition.”

The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine — real name Robert Kyagulanyi — says it will field candidates nationwide despite continued restrictions on rallies and alleged surveillance. Wine accused authorities of trying to “block meaningful political competition” and urged international observers to monitor the vote closely.

Economic backdrop and investor concern

The announcement comes as Uganda prepares to become one of East Africa’s new oil producers, with commercial drilling expected to start in 2026. French energy major TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC are leading a $10 billion oil project in Uganda’s Albertine region. Political instability or unrest could delay the project’s timeline and rattle investor confidence.

According to the Bank of Uganda, inflation has remained stable around 4.7%, and GDP is forecast to grow by 5.5% in 2025, supported by construction and services. But economists warn that pre-election uncertainty could slow private investment and push up fiscal spending. “Governments often loosen spending controls ahead of elections, and that can put pressure on the shilling,” said Razia Khan, Chief Economist for Africa at Standard Chartered.

The Ugandan shilling currently trades at about 3,720 per U.S. dollar, slightly weaker than last month, reflecting increased dollar demand from importers and cautious sentiment among foreign investors.

Governance record under scrutiny

Museveni’s supporters credit him with maintaining stability in a volatile region and overseeing infrastructure growth, including new highways and hydropower projects financed partly by China Exim Bank. But critics say his long rule has eroded civil liberties, weakened institutions, and centralized power within the presidency.

Uganda’s constitution once limited presidents to two terms, but parliament scrapped that clause in 2005. Lawmakers later removed the age cap in 2017, allowing Museveni to run indefinitely. The opposition called both moves “a betrayal of the democratic process.”

Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters and journalists. Authorities deny systematic abuse, insisting that law enforcement acts within Uganda’s laws.

Tight timelines and regional implications

The electoral commission said it will publish the final register by early December, giving parties less than three months to campaign nationwide. Uganda’s rural districts, where Museveni’s support base remains strong, are expected to decide the outcome.

Observers say the election’s impact extends beyond Uganda’s borders. The country plays a key role in regional security through its involvement in East African Community missions in Somalia and South Sudan. Political unrest could complicate joint security operations and disrupt trade corridors linking Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The African Union (AU) and United Nations are expected to send observer teams once formal invitations are issued. The U.S. State Department and European Union have urged Uganda to ensure “a level playing field” for all candidates.

Opposition seeks to rally youth vote

Bobi Wine, 43, remains the face of Uganda’s youthful opposition. In 2021, he came second with 34.8% of the vote, alleging widespread fraud — claims rejected by the electoral body. His message of change still resonates with Uganda’s median age of 16.3 years, one of the youngest populations in the world.

“Uganda’s young people want jobs and fairness, not fear,” Wine told reporters at his party headquarters in Kampala. “This election will define whether our nation moves forward or stays stuck in the past.”

Rising global attention

International investors and diplomats are watching closely. Uganda’s stability has made it a key partner for the World Bank and IMF, both of which resumed major lending this year after a freeze over human-rights concerns.

“Uganda matters to the region’s macroeconomic outlook,” said Mumbi Seraki, an Africa analyst at Moody’s Analytics. “If the elections trigger unrest, that could ripple through the EAC’s investment climate.”