Archive · 12 Nov 2025
UN Believes Hundreds Killed in Tanzania Election Protests
After an election in Tanzania, there were protests because some people didn't think it was fair.
Sadly, many people were hurt or killed during these protests.
The United Nations believes that hundreds of people died.
They also heard that police might be hiding bodies.
The government says the number of deaths reported by the opposition is too high, but they haven't shared their own count.
The main opposition party's leader was not allowed to run in the election, which added to the problems.
Even though the president won with a lot of votes, her opponents say the election wasn't fair.
Some leaders from the opposition were arrested but later let out of jail.
The UN couldn't check all the facts themselves because of internet problems and safety issues.
The UN Human Rights Office believes hundreds of people were killed in Tanzania during protests following the recent elections.
The UN has received reports that security forces may be hiding bodies to conceal evidence.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, claims over 1,000 people were killed by security forces.
The Tanzanian government disputes the opposition's death toll but has not provided an alternative figure.
Four senior opposition leaders have been released on bail, while hundreds of others face charges related to the protests, including treason.
- Who
- UN Human Rights Office, opposition party CHADEMA, Tanzanian government and security forces
- What
- The UN Human Rights Office stated it believes hundreds were killed in protests following elections and received reports of security forces hiding bodies.
- When
- Following the October 29 elections, with the UN statement made on Tuesday.
- Where
- Tanzania
- Why
- The protests erupted over allegations of election irregularities and suppression of dissent.
Opposition & UN Human Rights Office
Tanzanian Government
Death Toll from Protests
Opposition & UN Human Rights Office
The opposition party CHADEMA and some human rights activists claim security forces killed over 1,000 people. The UN Human Rights Office believes hundreds of protesters and other people were killed.
Tanzanian Government
The government states the opposition's death toll figure is exaggerated but has not provided its own number.
Election Fairness
Opposition & UN Human Rights Office
Observers from the African Union stated the election was not in line with democratic standards. Opposition parties accuse the government of suppressing dissent.
Tanzanian Government
President Hassan has defended the fairness of the election and rejected criticism of her human rights record.
Handling of Bodies
Opposition & UN Human Rights Office
The UN Human Rights Office has received reports that security forces removed bodies from streets and hospitals to undisclosed locations to conceal evidence.
Tanzanian Government
The government has not directly commented on the reports of hiding bodies.
- Election Date
- October 29
- Presidential Election Winner
- Samia Suluhu Hassan
- President Hassan's Vote Share
- Nearly 98%
- Opposition Party
- CHADEMA
- Charges Filed
- Treason, protest-related offenses
- Individuals Charged
- Over 300, including at least 145 with treason
- Leaders Released on Bail
- Four senior opposition leaders, including CHADEMA's vice chairman
