Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term amidst a deeply contested election marked by deadly protests and widespread allegations of manipulation. The inauguration ceremony, a departure from tradition, took place at a military parade ground in Dodoma under heavy security, with attendance restricted to invited guests, though it was broadcast live on state television.

President Hassan was declared the winner with an overwhelming 97.66% of the vote. This outcome followed a pre-election period characterized by the systematic suppression of opposition, with major opposition figures either imprisoned or disqualified from the race. The October 29 election has since plunged Tanzania into one of its most turbulent political crises in recent history.

Months prior to the polls, opposition activities faced severe crackdowns. Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, was arrested in April in Mbinga and charged with treason for advocating electoral reforms, spending his campaign period behind bars. Another prominent challenger, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified in August over alleged procedural irregularities, despite favorable court rulings. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, documented a surge in enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and killings ahead of the election, with UN human rights experts expressing alarm over more than 200 reported disappearances since 2019.

Election day itself and its aftermath were marred by violence. Protests erupted across several Tanzanian cities, with demonstrators destroying campaign materials and clashing with security forces. Witnesses reported police employing live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds, while the government imposed a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access. Army Chief Jacob Mkunda labeled the protesters “criminals.” Chadema, the main opposition party, alleged that “about 700” people were killed in the ensuing clashes, citing data from hospitals and clinics. The United Nations human rights office confirmed at least 10 fatalities, though the government has denied using excessive force and dismissed the higher figures as propaganda, refraining from releasing official casualty numbers.

Further fueling public anger were accusations directed at President Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, whom the opposition accused of coordinating parts of the crackdown on dissent. These allegations intensified outrage, leading protesters to chant against perceived dynastic control. Analysts point to deep flaws in Tanzania’s governance structure, noting that returning officers often double as government appointees, compromising the electoral commission's independence. Additionally, the law grants the commission final authority on results, rendering them immune from judicial challenge. The International Crisis Group reported that President Hassan oversaw “an unprecedented crackdown on political opponents,” including media restrictions and arrests of activists, with online platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and JamiiForums restricted or blocked during the election period.

The unrest has also underscored a generational revolt. Most protesters were young Tanzanians under 30, a demographic deeply frustrated by limited economic opportunities despite years of steady growth. With roughly two-thirds of citizens still living in poverty and high youth unemployment, many view political repression as part of a broader failure of governance.

Of grave concern are reports from Activist Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, detailing that several Kenyans were caught up in the violent unrest following the election, with some allegedly killed. Khalid specifically identified John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher reportedly shot on election day in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, whose body is currently held at the Mwananyamala Mortuary. He urged diplomatic attention to the escalating situation, further highlighting the widespread impact of the crackdown.

President Hassan’s inauguration on November 3 drew muted international reactions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about reports of deaths and injuries. The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway issued a joint statement urging Tanzania to uphold human rights and democratic principles. The European Parliament went further, condemning the election as neither free nor fair and calling for the release of Tundu Lissu, with Alex Vines, Africa Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, citing “a campaign of harassment and intimidation” against the opposition.

As President Hassan embarks on her second term, Tanzania stands at a critical crossroads. The protests have revealed growing defiance among the nation’s youth and eroded public faith in democratic institutions. The country’s future political and social trajectory will depend on whether the president chooses reform and reconciliation or opts for further repression.