Tanzania has reestablished internet access following a five-day interruption that hindered social media and messaging services throughout the nation.
This blackout occurred after the presidential election on October 29, 2025, which has faced significant criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations. The limitations were confirmed by NetBlocks, an internet observatory that tracks global connectivity.
“Live metrics indicate extensive restrictions on various social media and messaging platforms as #Tanzania resumes online activity after a five-day internet shutdown; this situation continues to obstruct election transparency and the unrestricted exchange of information,” the organization stated.
Furthermore, the Tanzanian government has called upon international media to authenticate information through official sources prior to reporting on the elections and the subsequent unrest following the polls.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo stated that the election was carried out with the highest level of transparency and in accordance with democratic principles, noting that any isolated incidents were promptly addressed by security forces.
He stressed that the government is dedicated to maintaining peace and stability, urging the media to verify information through official channels before disseminating reports.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the victor with 97.66 percent of the votes. She commences her first full term after taking over from John Magufuli in 2021.
The opposition’s boycott has led to unrest.
The primary opposition party, Chadema, chose to boycott the election following the disqualification and arrest of its leader Tundu Lissu along with other prominent members. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), asserted control over 270 out of 272 parliamentary seats.
The election and the subsequent events triggered violent demonstrations across multiple cities, including Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. The internet blackout hindered efforts to verify reports or assess the extent of the unrest.
Amnesty International condemned the government for employing excessive force against demonstrators during the blackout. Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated:
“Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must also allow both local and international media to freely report on the human rights situation.”
Amnesty urged for comprehensive investigations into the killings perpetrated by security forces and called for the release of individuals detained for peaceful assembly.
At a military parade ground in Dodoma, President Samia took the oath of office under strict security. Normally open to the public, the ceremony was closed and only aired on state television. She expressed regret for the violence and thanked election officials for their “efficient work,” calling it a stain on Tanzania’s reputation.
Police have attributed some of the disturbance to motorcycle riders and foreigners. Public transportation is still disrupted in many places, schools and colleges are closed, and food and fuel prices have skyrocketed. Voters were unable to freely express their will in many places, according to international observers like SADC, who cited opposition restrictions and possible ballot tampering. The government maintains that the election was transparent and that security forces acted legally in spite of these worries.
