Tanzanian authorities are currently under heightened scrutiny regarding the violent aftermath of the recent election. The largest opposition party, Chadema, has alleged that security forces are covertly disposing of the bodies of hundreds of individuals reportedly killed during the ensuing unrest.

In the wake of the election, widespread protests emerged across Tanzania, especially in Dar es Salaam, the nation's commercial capital. Young citizens took to the streets to express their discontent over what they perceived as an unjust electoral process. These demonstrations persisted for several days, leading to a stringent response from security agencies, which included the use of live ammunition and tear gas. Consequently, a nationwide curfew was implemented to control the situation.

Brenda Rupia, the director of communications for Chadema, characterized the national sentiment during this period by stating, “Tanzanians’ hearts are bleeding right now. This is a new thing for Tanzanians,” during a phone interview from Dar es Salaam.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the election winner, receiving an overwhelming 97% of the vote. This result has elicited skepticism, particularly given reports of low voter turnout from international observers. Hassan's electoral victory is notable as it follows her ascent to the presidency in 2021 after the unexpected death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli.

The legitimacy of Hassan's victory has been further called into question due to the barring of her primary opponents, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, from contesting. Lissu has been imprisoned for several months on treason charges related to his demands for electoral reforms, while his deputy, John Heche, was detained shortly before the election.

Human Rights Watch condemned the violent repression of protests, urging Tanzanian authorities to cease the deployment of excessive and lethal force against demonstrators and to ensure accountability for the actions of security personnel. The organization noted reports of point-blank shootings by security forces during the unrest.

In response to Chadema's assertions of over 1,000 fatalities, Tanzanian authorities have not provided official commentary. However, countries such as the U.K., Norway, and Canada have referenced credible reports indicating a considerable number of deaths. The Catholic Church has also stated that fatalities occurred in the “hundreds,” although it has not been able to verify precise figures.

Rupia indicated that at least 400 deaths have been reported in the Tunduma area of the Mbeya region, with additional casualties reported in other regions. When questioned about funerals for the deceased, she claimed that security forces are “holding dead bodies” and allegedly disposing of the remains to obscure the extent of the violence.

In her inaugural address, Hassan acknowledged the loss of life and called for security agencies to restore normalcy to the nation.

In the aftermath of these events, authorities issued warnings against sharing images and videos that could provoke public panic, coinciding with the gradual restoration of internet services following a six-day shutdown. Mobile phone users received messages cautioning that disseminating such content could lead to “treason charges.”

These warnings came shortly after the internet was reinstated, prompting the circulation of unverified images purportedly depicting victims of the election protests. A social media page that had been posting videos and photos of alleged protest victims was taken down after rapidly accumulating thousands of followers.

Currently, life in Dar es Salaam and the administrative capital, Dodoma, appears to be returning to a semblance of normalcy. Gas stations and grocery stores have reopened, and public transportation services have resumed after several days of disruption. The government spokesperson has urged all public workers to return to their jobs, effectively lifting a work-from-home directive that was implemented following the curfew.