Protests broke out across Tanzania after last week’s vote, as young people poured into the streets of Dar es Salaam and other cities to denounce what they saw as an unfree and unfair election.

Security forces responded with live ammunition, tear gas and a nationwide curfew, jolting a country long viewed as relatively stable.

Landslide Win Amid Low Turnout

Hassan was declared the winner with over 97% of the vote—an unusually high margin in a poll marked by low turnout, according to foreign observers.

It was her first electoral mandate since taking office in 2021 following President John Magufuli’s death. Her main rivals, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, were barred from contesting.

Lissu has been jailed for months on treason charges tied to his calls for electoral reform, while his deputy John Heche was arrested shortly before the vote.

Opposition Alleges Mass Killings

Human Rights Watch condemned the violent crackdown, urging Tanzania to end excessive force and ensure accountability amid reports of point-blank shootings.

Authorities have not addressed Chadema’s claim that over 1,000 people were killed.

Western embassies and the Catholic Church cited hundreds of deaths, while Rupia reported at least 400 in Tunduma alone and accused security forces of hiding bodies.

President Hassan, sworn in Monday, acknowledged the loss of life and urged a return to normalcy.

Internet Blackout And ‘Treason’ Threats

Authorities partially restored internet access this week after a six-day blackout, warning citizens that sharing images of alleged victims could result in treason charges.

A social media page posting footage of protest casualties was removed after gaining thousands of followers.

By Tuesday, fuel stations, shops, and public transport began reopening in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma as officials ended work-from-home measures and eased the nationwide curfew.