Tanzania’s 13th Parliament convened with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) holding a majority, while the official opposition remained absent due to insufficient numbers. Of 396 MPs, 113 of 115 Special Seats belong to CCM, with two held by Chaumma. Opposition parties hold 12 seats, below the 12.5% threshold required for an official opposition. The new Parliament began sessions in Dodoma, including a State of the Union address by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tanzania police arrested opposition deputy secretary-general Amani Golugwa and charged hundreds of protesters with treason after last month’s contested elections. Authorities also sought senior Chadema officials, including Secretary-General John Mnyika and communications director Brenda Rupia. Protests erupted across major cities following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory with over 97% of the vote. Rights groups criticized the government’s response, citing widespread use of force and questioning the election’s credibility.

Human rights organizations reported that Tanzanian security forces killed approximately 3,000 people following the October 29 general election. Alleged victims include protesters, civilians, medical personnel, and street children, while thousands more remain missing. Reports indicate restricted hospital access, confiscated footage, and the possible use of mass graves to conceal deaths. More than 40 African advocacy groups called for the prosecution of security officials, an independent international investigation, and the resignation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan over the crackdown.

Tanzanian police named ten individuals wanted for questioning over nationwide election day riots, intensifying a government crackdown. The list includes high-profile Chadema officials—Secretary-General John Mnyika, Communications Director Brenda Rupia, Central Committee member Godbless Lema, senior member Hilda Newton, Youth Wing Chair Deogratius Mahinyila, and Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa. Two religious leaders, Bishop Josephat Gwajima and Bishop Machumu Maximillian Kadutu, are also sought. Authorities urged all to surrender by Nov. 7, 2025.

Tanzanian security forces suppressed widespread unrest following the October 29 elections, which left hundreds dead and triggered curfews, internet shutdowns, and severe shortages across major cities. Violence targeted polling stations and government offices as authorities blamed unnamed “outsiders.” Despite the turmoil, officials declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected with 98% of nearly 32 million votes. Her hastily arranged, closed-door inauguration in Dodoma underscored the tension and uncertainty surrounding the disputed outcome.

The African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) criticized Tanzania’s 2025 general election, highlighting serious irregularities and restrictions on observers. The AU mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, said the vote “did not comply” with regional democratic standards, noting limited access for observers and an internet shutdown. SADC reported intimidation, arrests, and barriers to free political participation, urging investigations into post-election violence and greater respect for civil and political rights.