Tanzania 2025 Presidential Election: Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Re-Election Amid Violence and Internet Shutdown

Introduction

The Tanzania presidential election on October 29, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history, with incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan securing re-election for another term. However, this victory came amid widespread reports of election violence in Tanzania, a government-imposed internet blackout, and subsequent crackdowns on information dissemination. These events have sparked international concern over democratic processes in East Africa, highlighting tensions between electoral outcomes and public safety.

This article provides a clear, pedagogical breakdown of the Tanzania 2025 election results, analyzing the sequence of events, their implications, and lessons for understanding modern electoral challenges. By examining verified reports and contextual background, we aim to educate readers on how such incidents affect governance, media freedom, and citizen rights in Tanzania.

Analysis

Background on Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Presidency

Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the presidency of Tanzania in March 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. As the country’s first female president, she inherited a political landscape shaped by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s long dominance since independence in 1961. Her administration promised reforms, including easing COVID-19 restrictions and improving relations with Western donors, contrasting with Magufuli’s more isolationist approach.

Leading up to the 2025 election, Hassan campaigned on continuity and development achievements, such as infrastructure projects and economic stabilization. The election pitted her against opposition candidates, though two major ones were excluded, raising pre-poll controversies over electoral fairness.

The Election Day and Immediate Aftermath

On October 29, 2025, voting occurred across Tanzania, with official results declaring Hassan’s re-election. Post-election, protests erupted in various regions, fueled by allegations of irregularities. Eyewitness accounts and media reports documented clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to injuries and fatalities.

A key tactic employed by authorities was a nationwide Tanzania internet blackout, severing access to 4G networks and social media platforms. This measure, common in regions facing unrest, aimed to prevent real-time coordination of protests but left millions without communication, exacerbating uncertainty.

Restoration of Connectivity and Government Warnings

By November 3, 2025, partial internet restoration began. Tanzanians received SMS alerts from the government stating: “Avoid sharing photos or videos that cause panic… Doing so is against the law, and if identified, strict criminal action will be taken.” This directive underscored efforts to control narratives around the election violence Tanzania witnessed.

With connectivity returning, videos surfaced online. One, verified by Le Monde, showed a man unconscious on a street, his white T-shirt blood-soaked—a stark visual of the unrest. Other circulating clips, though unverified, depicted bodies and police firing on crowds, amplifying public outrage.

Summary

In summary, the 2025 Tanzania presidential election resulted in Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election but was overshadowed by violence, an internet shutdown, and information controls. These elements have plunged the country into uncertainty, with the government’s suppression tactics fueling distrust rather than resolving disputes. This overview encapsulates the core events, drawing from contemporaneous reports to provide a factual recap.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Tanzanian Citizens During Electoral Periods

To navigate volatile situations like the 2025 election, citizens should prioritize safety: avoid protest zones, use VPNs for secure browsing if internet restrictions lift, and verify information from multiple sources before sharing. Registering with local authorities for updates and maintaining offline communication networks, such as community radios, can mitigate blackout impacts.

For Journalists and Media Professionals

Reporters covering Tanzania election violence should employ fact-checking tools like reverse image searches and collaborate with international verifiers (e.g., Le Monde). Document incidents with timestamps and geolocations, while adhering to ethical standards to avoid amplifying unverified claims.

Digital Safety Tips

Enable two-factor authentication, back up data offline, and use encrypted apps like Signal during shutdowns. Understanding local laws on content sharing helps prevent inadvertent violations.

Points of Caution

Risks of Unverified Media

While videos of bloodshed in Tanzania elections circulate, many remain unverified. Sharing them prematurely can spread misinformation, incite further panic, or lead to legal repercussions under Tanzanian cybercrime laws.

Government Control Measures

Internet blackouts and SMS warnings signal heightened surveillance. Citizens risk identification through device tracking, emphasizing the need for caution in online activism.

Broader Instability

Suppressed information fosters speculation, potentially prolonging unrest. Monitor official channels alongside independent observers for balanced views.

Comparison

Versus Previous Tanzanian Elections

The 2025 events echo the 2020 election under Magufuli, which saw opposition leader Tundu Lissu injured in a shooting and similar information curbs. However, Hassan’s tenure introduced partial openings, making the 2025 violence a regression in reforms.

Regional and Global Parallels

Internet shutdowns mirror those in Ethiopia (2020 Tigray conflict) and Myanmar (2021 coup), where governments used them to stifle dissent. In contrast, Kenya’s 2022 elections demonstrated peaceful transitions via tech-enabled transparency, offering a model for Tanzania.

Legal Implications

Tanzania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Act (2010) and Cybercrimes Act (2015) criminalize sharing content deemed to incite panic or violence, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. The November 3 SMS warning directly invokes these laws, potentially applying to social media posts of protest footage. Internationally, such measures may violate Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Tanzania ratified, protecting freedom of expression. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have criticized similar past actions, urging accountability.

Excluded opposition candidates could challenge results via the Zanzibar High Court or Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, though CCM dominance limits success rates.

Conclusion

The re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tanzania’s 2025 presidential election underscores the fragility of democratic transitions amid violence and information controls. While her leadership has brought some progress, the Tanzania internet blackout and protest crackdowns erode public trust, signaling a need for electoral reforms. As Tanzania navigates this uncertainty, international observers emphasize dialogue, transparency, and respect for rights to safeguard future polls. This episode serves as a pedagogical case study in balancing security with democracy.

FAQ