DAR ES SALAAM: The disturbances that accompanied and followed Tanzania’s General Election of 29 October 2025 have prompted an intense national conversation about security, accountability and the appropriate use of force. Competing casualty figures, widely circulated on social media and reported by international broadcasters such as BBC, Al Jazeera and CNN, heightened public anxiety and shaped global perceptions.
In such moments, however, a responsible national debate must move beyond unverified statistics and examine the broader context: the scale of the threat, the constitutional duties of the State and the long-term interests of the country.
Every loss of life is a tragedy. Behind each reported figure lies a family, a network of friends and a community affected. That human reality must remain at the centre of any analysis. At the same time, national security is not an abstract concept; it is the framework that enables citizens to live, work and participate freely in civic life.
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania carries a constitutional obligation to protect lives, safeguard public property and preserve constitutional order. When unrest threatens polling stations, election officials, critical infrastructure or ordinary citizens, the State faces a difficult but unavoidable responsibility to act.
Reports during the election period pointed to incidents and planned attacks targeting energy installations, roads and public offices. In security analysis, such assets are categorised as critical infrastructure because their disruption can paralyse hospitals, communications, commerce and transport.
The destruction of a power facility or a major transport link does not merely symbolise political dissent; it directly affects families, businesses and vulnerable communities. Protecting these assets is therefore both a security imperative and a social responsibility.
The central question arising from the events is not whether force was used, but whether it was proportionate to the threat faced at the time. International standards governing the use of force require that security agencies apply only the minimum force necessary to neutralise immediate danger.
This principle of proportionality is fundamental in democratic societies. Yet applying it in fast-moving and potentially volatile situations is rarely straightforward. Decisions are often taken in real time, under pressure and with incomplete information.
Tanzania hosts Africa’s first global forum on cooperative law
This complexity underscores the importance of thorough and independent review. Evaluating the events of October 2025 requires careful examination of verified casualty figures, the nature and scale of the threats encountered and whether established operational guidelines were followed.
Transparent investigation strengthens, rather than weakens, public institutions. It reassures citizens that actions taken in their name are subject to scrutiny and grounded in law.
Equally important is the challenge of information integrity. In the digital age, narratives can spread rapidly, sometimes outpacing verified facts.
Inflated or inaccurate claims risk inflaming tensions and undermining trust. At the same time, clear and timely communication from authorities is essential to prevent speculation from filling the vacuum. A mature democracy depends on both responsible reporting and institutional openness.
The broader national interest must guide this discussion. Tanzania has long been recognised for its culture of peaceful coexistence and social harmony.
Political competition is natural and legitimate, but it must unfold within the bounds of law and mutual respect. When demonstrations remain peaceful, they enrich democratic life. When they turn destructive, they endanger not only public order but also the very freedoms they seek to express.
Stability is the foundation of prosperity. Investors commit capital where predictability prevails. Tourism flourishes where safety is assured. Young entrepreneurs build enterprises where infrastructure is secure and public confidence is strong.
Prolonged instability, by contrast, can deter opportunity and delay development. Safeguarding order, therefore, is not solely about maintaining authority; it is about protecting livelihoods and sustaining growth.
As Tanzania reflects on the events surrounding the 2025 election, the path forward lies in balance. Security measures must remain anchored in legality, accountability and respect for human rights.
Citizens, political leaders and media practitioners alike must commit to evidence-based dialogue rather than inflammatory rhetoric. Differences of opinion should be resolved through lawful channels, not through confrontation.
A peaceful, united and prosperous Tanzania is not an abstract aspiration; it is a practical necessity. The country’s strength has always resided in its ability to manage diversity without descending into division.
By addressing concerns transparently, upholding professional standards in the use of force and reaffirming a shared commitment to constitutional governance, Tanzania can emerge from this period with renewed confidence.
Moments of tension test nations. They reveal weaknesses, but they also reveal resilience. If handled with integrity and openness, the debate over the use of force can reinforce democratic norms rather than erode them. By placing truth, proportionality and unity at the heart of public discourse, Tanzania safeguards not only its present stability but its future prosperity.
