Tanzania president expresses regret over post-election violence and internet shutdown

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has, for the first time since the disputed October elections, addressed the six-day internet shutdown that coincided with widespread post-election violence , which has left the country grappling with its worst unrest in decades.

Speaking to ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives of international organizations in Dodoma on Thursday, President Hassan expressed “ sympathy ” for diplomats and foreign nationals who faced disruptions in services and internet access. She pledged that the government would work to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The unrest erupted on election day after Hassan, the ruling party candidate, was declared the winner with more than 97 per cent of the vote. The opposition , particularly the two main parties, had been barred from participating, and the country’s main opposition leader remains imprisoned on treason charges . These restrictions, along with reports of electoral irregularities, drew sharp criticism from foreign observers , who said the elections failed to meet democratic standards .

Violence began on the streets as supporters of barred opposition candidates clashed with police and security forces. Rights groups report that the crackdown left hundreds dead and caused extensive property damage worth millions of shillings, the national currency of Tanzania. Many of the victims were protesters, young activists, and ordinary citizens caught in the heavy-handed security operations. President Hassan attributed part of the unrest to foreign influence and pardoned hundreds of young people arrested during the violence, saying many were acting under peer pressure .

The internet shutdown , which lasted six days, was imposed by the government ostensibly to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain order. Critics argue that it also hindered communications, blocked independent reporting, and further silenced dissent during the most critical period of post-election chaos.

Hassan defended her administration’s actions, saying the measures were necessary to preserve constitutional order and ensure public safety. “I assure you that we will remain vigilant to ensure your safety and prevent any recurrence of such experiences,” she told the diplomatic community.

Following the elections, the government established a commission of inquiry to investigate the violence and assess the causes of the unrest. Despite decades of relative calm, Tanzania now faces questions about governance and democratic norms , with critics arguing that sidelining opposition leaders and restricting freedoms gives the administration the appearance of authoritarian control.

As the country attempts to recover, international observers continue to call for transparent investigations into the deaths, the handling of opposition voices, and the role of the internet blackout in exacerbating tensions.