Tanzania’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil after former Botswana President Ian Khama publicly declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election “illegitimate,” following the disputed October 29, 2025 general election that handed her a controversial 97.66% victory.
Khama, known for his outspoken defense of democracy and human rights across Africa, said the Tanzanian poll “cannot be recognized by any nation that values justice and transparency.” His remarks come amid growing international condemnation and reports of massive human rights violations before and after the vote.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 50 protesters were killed as security forces cracked down on demonstrations across the country. Opposition leaders, however, claim the number of deaths exceeds 3,000, alleging that bodies were buried in mass graves to conceal the extent of the violence. Eyewitness accounts and leaked footage reportedly show scenes of chaos in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma as protesters clashed with heavily armed police.
The United Nations issued a strong statement condemning the “excessive and disproportionate use of force” by Tanzanian security forces and called for an independent international investigation into the killings and disappearances. The African Union, meanwhile, declared the election “neither free nor fair,” citing systematic voter suppression, opposition bans, and widespread intimidation.
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Diplomatic observers say the situation marks one of Tanzania’s darkest moments since its return to multi-party democracy in the 1990s. The ruling party’s complete dominance, coupled with opposition boycotts and the arrest of key critics, has raised fears of the country sliding back into authoritarianism.
President Hassan’s inauguration on November 3 in Dar es Salaam took place under tight security, with ordinary citizens barred from attending. Only selected government officials, ruling party loyalists, and foreign dignitaries were allowed into the restricted ceremony grounds, as military vehicles patrolled nearby streets.
At least 240 protesters arrested during post-election demonstrations now face treason charges, a move opposition groups have condemned as a deliberate attempt to silence dissent.
“This is not democracy, it is state terror disguised as governance,” said one opposition leader in exile, calling on the international community to intervene.
Khama’s statement has amplified calls for regional accountability, with several southern African leaders reportedly expressing quiet concern over Tanzania’s growing instability. Analysts warn that continued repression could isolate Dar es Salaam diplomatically and damage its reputation as a once-stable democracy in East Africa.
Despite the mounting pressure, President Hassan has remained defiant, insisting that her government’s actions were aimed at maintaining peace and order. Her administration has yet to respond directly to Khama’s remarks or the allegations of mass killings.
As the world watches closely, Tanzania stands at a critical crossroads, between the ideals of democracy it once symbolized and the growing shadow of authoritarian control. Whether the international community will act beyond statements of concern remains an open question, but for many Tanzanians, the wounds of this election will not heal easily.
