CHADEMA declares week of mourning for victims of deadly election violence in Tanzania

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has announced that its flags will fly at half-mast from November 5 to 11, 2025, in honour of civilians killed during last month’s post-election protests.

“The party flags will fly at half-mast from today, November 5, 2025, until November 11, 2025, to mourn the deaths of civilians who were killed during the protests in October this year,” the party said in a Wednesday notice.

CHADEMA claims that about 700 people were killed over three days of unrest following the disputed general election. The protests began on election day after opposition supporters accused the government of stifling dissent and barring key presidential contenders from the race.

Hundreds dead

Party spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP that hundreds had died in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza alone.

“As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar [es Salaam] is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Added to figures from other places around the country, the overall figure is around 700,” Kitoka said.

He added that the true number could be higher since “killings could be happening during a nighttime curfew imposed.”

Kitoka said the tally was compiled by party members who visited hospitals and clinics “counting dead bodies.”

A security source quoted by AFP also confirmed heavy casualties, saying there were “more than 500 dead, maybe 700–800 in the whole country.”

Amnesty International reported receiving information that at least 100 people had been killed, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it had verified reports of at least 10 people shot dead by security forces in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro.

OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango urged authorities to “refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force” and called on protesters to remain peaceful.

The protests erupted after several opposition leaders, including CHADEMA vice chair Tundu Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo leader Luhaga Mpina, were disqualified from the presidential race. Lissu was arrested in April and charged with treason and cybercrime, while his party was barred from participating after calling for electoral reforms.

Samia dismisses CHADEMA’s figures

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, declared the winner with 98 per cent of the vote, has dismissed CHADEMA’s figures as exaggerated. The government maintains that security forces acted responsibly to contain what it described as “criminal acts of violence”, including attacks on police and the destruction of property linked to the ruling party.

Army chief Gen Jacob John Mkunda condemned the unrest, saying security forces were working to restore order.

“Criminals will not be allowed to destabilise the country,” he warned.

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The demonstrations, which started in Dar es Salaam, quickly spread to other regions, prompting a nationwide curfew and a five-day internet shutdown. Global internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed widespread disruptions during the protests.

Citizens warned

After service was restored, police warned citizens against sharing disturbing images or videos of the violence.

“Avoid sharing pictures or videos that cause panic or degrade a person’s dignity. Doing so is a criminal offence, and if identified, strict legal action will be taken,” read a text message circulated to mobile users.

Sports management firm Viral Scout Management said on social media that seven young footballers aged 15 to 22 under its representation were shot dead in their homes during the unrest.

“We vehemently condemn the killings of civilians and players alike. No one deserves to have their dreams stolen in such a brutal manner,” the firm said.

By Tuesday, Dar es Salaam was slowly returning to normal, with security patrols reduced after the curfew was lifted.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an independent investigation into allegations of excessive use of force, while Tanzania’s government insists that security agencies acted lawfully to contain violence and protect lives and property.