Police Officer and Civilian Killed as Protests Erupt During Tanzanian Elections

Tanzania’s general election on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, turned violent after protests broke out in several towns across the country. 

Amnesty International confirmed that a police officer and one member of the public lost their lives during the chaos.

According to Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, the organization received reports of deaths linked to the unrest. 

“The reports that one police officer and one civilian have been killed during the election protests are deeply worrying. We urge the police to remain calm and avoid using unnecessary force against protesters,” Chagutah said in a statement.

The violence began after two top opposition candidates — Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo — were barred from running for the presidency. 

Many Tanzanians expressed anger, claiming the move was against democratic principles.

Protests spread quickly in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza, Tanga, and Tunduma. 

Videos shared online showed protesters clashing with police, burning mattresses, and blocking roads.

In one clip, a police officer was seen being attacked by a group of angry demonstrators.

The government responded by imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Dar es Salaam. Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned that security agencies would take strong action against anyone trying to disrupt the election process. 

Despite the warnings, some polling stations were vandalized, with ballot boxes destroyed by furious youths.

Earlier in the day, NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, reported a nationwide internet shutdown. Three major service providers went offline, creating what many called a “digital blackout.” 

Citizens and journalists struggled to share information as the situation on the ground worsened.

Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was pictured casting her vote peacefully in Dar es Salaam, urging citizens to maintain order and respect the democratic process.

The unrest has raised global concern, with human rights groups calling for an independent investigation into the deaths and the government’s handling of the protests. 

Many fear that continued violence could destabilize the nation and weaken public trust in its electoral process.