Reports of “Intended Killings” Emerge from Tanzania’s Post-Election Unrest: Civilians Caught in Crossfire
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
Dar es Salaam/Mwanza, Tanzania – January 9, 2026
Fresh allegations of deliberate violence against civilians have surfaced in the wake of Tanzania’s controversial October 2025 general elections, with eyewitness accounts and human rights reports describing “intended killings” by security forces during post-election protests. The unrest, centered in opposition strongholds like Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria, has left a trail of victims—including unsuspecting residents ensnared in the chaos—highlighting deep concerns over police conduct and electoral integrity under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
The violence erupted following the re-election of President Hassan and her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which secured a landslide victory amid widespread opposition claims of fraud, voter intimidation, and media suppression. Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu of Chadema rejected the results, calling for mass demonstrations that were swiftly met with a heavy-handed response from police and auxiliary forces.
Eyewitness Accounts from Mwanza
In Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city and a traditional opposition bastion, protests turned deadly as police fired live ammunition into crowds. Survivors and relatives described scenes where security forces appeared to target civilians indiscriminately.
One resident, a fish trader named Amina Juma who was not participating in the protests, recounted to local journalists how her 28-year-old brother was shot while walking home from the market: “He was just buying vegetables when the police started shooting. He wasn’t chanting or throwing stones—he was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. They fired directly at people running away.”
Similar stories emerged from the Nyamagana and Ilemela districts, where police reportedly pursued fleeing protesters into residential areas. Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented at least 12 fatalities in Mwanza alone during the initial wave of unrest in late October and November 2025, with many victims struck by bullets while inside their homes or on sidewalks.
A leaked video circulating on social media—verified by independent fact-checkers—shows uniformed officers firing tear gas and live rounds at a group of civilians, including women and children, gathered outside a polling station. The footage captures screams as people scatter, with several falling to the ground.
Official Response and Denials
Tanzanian authorities have defended the police actions as necessary to restore order amid what they described as “violent riots orchestrated by opposition elements.” Police spokesperson David Misime stated in November 2025 that officers used “minimum force” in response to protesters hurling stones and petrol bombs. The government reported fewer than 10 deaths nationwide, attributing most to clashes initiated by demonstrators.
President Hassan, in a national address, urged calm and promised investigations into any excesses. However, critics note that independent probes have been rare, and access for international observers remains restricted.
The elections themselves drew sharp criticism. The African Union and East African Community observer missions noted irregularities, including delayed results and restricted opposition campaigning. Chadema boycotted parliamentary sessions in protest, while Lissu— who survived an assassination attempt in 2017—faced arrest on treason charges before being released on bail.
Human Rights Concerns and Broader Implications
International watchdogs have condemned the crackdown. Amnesty International labeled the response “disproportionate and unlawful,” citing evidence of extrajudicial killings. HRW’s January 2026 report highlighted “patterns suggestive of intended lethal force” against non-violent gatherings.
The unrest has exacerbated tensions in a country long praised for stability compared to neighbors. Economic grievances—high youth unemployment, rising living costs, and corruption allegations—fueled the protests, with many viewing the elections as a test of Hassan’s reforms after succeeding the authoritarian John Magufuli in 2021.
Analysts warn that unresolved grievances could lead to prolonged instability. “The use of live ammunition on civilians risks eroding public trust in institutions,” said a Dar es Salaam-based political commentator.
As families mourn and demand justice, calls grow for transparent investigations and dialogue between the government and opposition. The trail of victims in Mwanza serves as a somber reminder of the human cost when electoral disputes spiral into violence.
Juba Global News Network continues to monitor developments and advocate for accountability in Tanzania’s political landscape.
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