The United States has issued a heightened security alert for its citizens in Tanzania, anticipating nationwide unrest ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations slated for December 9, with protest activity potentially commencing as early as December 5. The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam urged American travelers to exercise extreme caution, citing escalating tensions that followed last month's contentious general election. The election, held on October 29, was marred by widespread allegations of violence, an internet shutdown, and claims of mass killings.

The embassy's notice specifically highlighted that recent unrest after the vote resulted in "destruction of public infrastructure, violence against civilians, internet shutdowns, and major travel disruptions." Travelers are advised to prepare for significant disruptions in the coming weeks, which could include the imposition of curfews, cancellations of ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, interruptions to international flights, and roadblocks enforcing movement restrictions. The alert also warned of increased scrutiny faced by foreign nationals from local security forces, noting instances where authorities searched electronics for evidence linking individuals to unrest or politically sensitive content. Under Tanzanian law, sharing images or videos that could "cause panic" is considered a criminal offense.

During periods of civil unrest, the U.S. Embassy's capacity to assist its citizens may be limited. Americans are therefore advised to avoid all demonstrations, maintain a supply of emergency provisions, adhere strictly to any announced curfews, and confirm flight details by telephone before traveling to airports.

This advisory comes shortly after the Tanzanian government's decision to cancel next month's Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that the funds earmarked for the celebrations would instead be reallocated to rebuild infrastructure damaged during the post-election violence. The opposition, describing a brutal crackdown following the disputed election, has called for the nationwide demonstrations on December 9. Opposition groups and human rights organizations allege that hundreds of civilians were killed by security forces, claims which the government has not directly addressed, although it has established a commission of inquiry whose impartiality has been questioned by rights groups.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was declared the winner of the election with 98 percent of the vote, is facing intensified domestic and international scrutiny. Key opposition figures, such as Tundu Lissu, were barred from contesting the election. Furthermore, authorities implemented a five-day internet shutdown beginning on election day and issued warnings against sharing protest-related images. Despite these measures, graphic videos and photographs purportedly showing victims have circulated extensively online, with international media organizations verifying some of the footage, even as the government accused such material of intending to "tarnish" Tanzania's image.

In a significant development, an international coalition of lawyers and human rights organizations formally petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) on November 13 to investigate President Samia's government for alleged crimes against humanity. The 82-page submission details accusations of mass killings and the clandestine disposal of bodies during the post-election unrest. Pressure on Tanzania further mounted on November 21 when U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen called for an independent international investigation. This call followed a CNN exposé that documented alleged police shootings, the existence of mass graves, and potential attempts to conceal the true death toll. Senator Shaheen remarked, "This report underscores the disturbing actions by the Tanzanian Government to suppress protestors. Evidence of mass graves shows an unacceptable attempt to cover up gross violations of human rights."

The CNN investigation utilized a comprehensive approach, incorporating satellite imagery, geolocated videos, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic audio analysis to establish connections between security forces and the use of live ammunition, as well as unmarked burials. The report included disturbing images of overflowing morgues and accounts from medical staff describing gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and limbs. Witnesses in Arusha recounted instances where a pregnant woman and a young man were among those shot, while drone footage reportedly showed armed individuals, some in civilian attire, firing at fleeing crowds. The UN Human Rights Office has indicated that multiple credible sources suggest potentially hundreds of fatalities and many more detentions.

In response, Tanzania's government has dismissed these allegations, criticizing international media for publishing what it terms "unverified" reports. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa asserted that the inquiry commission announced by President Samia would "shed light" on the events, urging journalists to refrain from publishing "stories aimed at tarnishing the country's image." Prime Minister Nchemba appealed to Tanzanians to avoid further violence, emphasizing the critical need for dialogue, stating, "Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable." Critics contend that despite initial gestures towards political openness after President Samia took office in 2021, the country's political space has significantly constricted leading up to and following the 2025 elections.