Tanzanian Army Sides with Protesters as President Suluhu Hides Following Contested Election

DAR ES SALAAM, October 29, 2025 — Violent protests rocked Tanzania’s commercial capital on Wednesday as President Samia Suluhu Hassan sought re-election in a vote marred by opposition exclusion and street demonstrations that saw a police station set ablaze.

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Protesters Burn Police Station, Clash With Security Forces

Hundreds of young demonstrators took to the streets of Dar es Salaam chanting “We want our country back,” tearing down campaign banners of President Hassan and setting fire to a police station along Nelson Mandela Road. Police responded with tear gas but were forced to retreat when protesters pelted them with stones.

Witnesses reported that a military vehicle passed through the crowd but took no action against the demonstrators. Tanks had been stationed at key junctions throughout the city as security forces attempted to maintain order. Several people sustained injuries in the confrontations.

“We are tired… We want an independent electoral commission so that every Tanzanian can choose the leader they want,” one protester told reporters. Demonstrators also vandalized buses and caused extensive damage to bus terminals and other public infrastructure.

Opposition Barred, “No Reforms, No Elections”

President Hassan, 65, faces minimal competition after the main opposition party Chadema was disqualified in April for refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct. The party’s chairman, Tundu Lissu, was arrested and now faces treason charges after calling for electoral reforms at a rally. Chadema has maintained its “No Reforms, No Elections” position and called for a boycott.

More than 37 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots, though turnout in Dar es Salaam appeared notably low amid safety concerns. Internet connectivity was disrupted nationwide during voting, according to watchdog NetBlocks.

Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, faces only 16 minor parties with limited resources. Political analysts have characterized the election as a “procedural coronation” rather than a competitive democratic exercise.

Amnesty International warned the polls “risk becoming a procedural affair devoid of legitimacy,” citing politically motivated charges against opponents, a climate of fear, and 83 reported disappearances of opposition party members during the campaign period.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has pledged to announce results within three days.

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