Widespread unrest has gripped Tanzania following the National Electoral Commission’s declaration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election with 96.99% of the vote, igniting violent protests, internet blackouts, and curfews across major cities.

Demonstrators clashed with police in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Arusha, leaving at least one civilian and one officer dead, as opposition leaders condemned the vote as fraudulent and international observers raised alarms over democratic backsliding.

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s sweeping victory has drawn sharp scrutiny, with key opposition figures—including CHADEMA’s Tundu Lissu—barred from contesting on eligibility grounds.

Reports of pre-election arrests, intimidation, and voter suppression have fueled accusations of a rigged process. Protesters, chanting “Idi Amin Mama” in reference to Hassan, torched vehicles and businesses linked to CCM allies, while unverified social media claims suggested death tolls far higher than official figures.

Security forces responded with tear gas, live ammunition, and sweeping curfews in protest hotspots. A nationwide internet shutdown began Wednesday, further complicating access to information. Police confirmed the death of an officer in Mbeya, while rights groups reported dozens injured and over 100 detained, including journalists.

In Dar es Salaam, demonstrations entered a third day, with crowds blocking roads near the port. Smaller rallies erupted in Zanzibar and Arusha. CHADEMA, weakened by bans on its top candidates, rejected the results outright, calling the election a “sham.” Party chairman Freeman Mbowe, reportedly under house arrest, urged mass non-cooperation, echoing concerns from global monitors over the erosion of democratic space.

The fallout extended beyond politics. Public figures like singer Diamond Platnumz faced backlash for endorsing CCM, deleting posts and reportedly fleeing to Kenya with family. Hassan’s office condemned the unrest as “hooliganism,” blaming “external agitators” and pledging investigations into alleged irregularities.

President Hassan, Africa’s only female head of state since 2021, framed her victory as a mandate to continue economic reforms amid high youth unemployment and poverty rates nearing 30%. However, analysts warn of a deepening legitimacy crisis, with economic disruptions looming in East Africa’s trade hub.

Regional tensions escalated as Kenya sealed its borders to prevent cross-border activism, reporting two deaths in clashes. Uganda and Rwanda expressed support for stability, while the African Union called for dialogue. Western envoys, including the United States, urged transparency but stopped short of endorsing the results.

With military patrols deployed and digital connectivity still restricted, protests show no signs of abating. Organizers vow to continue until fresh elections are held, casting a long shadow over Hassan’s second term and Tanzania’s democratic trajectory.