Travel Chaos and Unrest Erupt After Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Disputed Re-election in Tanzania

Hundreds of travellers were stranded in Tanzania after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s disputed re-election with over 97 percent of the vote. Internet disruptions and flight cancellations caused chaos, while protests against the results turned violent, leaving at least 10 people dead. Western nations condemned the crackdown and urged calm, as opposition groups called the vote undemocratic.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded at airports across Tanzania over the weekend after President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the country’s disputed election with more than 97 percent of the vote, according to official results. The announcement of the result sparked widespread unrest and travel chaos as the country grappled with protests, internet disruptions, and a tense political atmosphere.

All domestic flights were cancelled, grounding thousands of local travellers who had planned to move between regions. International passengers were equally affected, as many could not retrieve their flight details or make new arrangements due to a nationwide internet blackout that left online booking systems and airline communications unavailable.

“We are traveling from Zanzibar to Paris, but we cannot because the flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi is cancelled, so we are stuck here,” said French tourist Irvine René, speaking from Zanzibar Airport. “We do not know where to stay or where to sleep tonight. We do not know. We will see.” His experience echoed that of many others who found themselves stranded without clear information or assistance.

The political turmoil has drawn widespread concern from the international community. The United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada have all issued travel advisories warning their citizens against visiting Tanzania after the general election last week turned violent. Protesters flooded the streets of major cities to express anger over the results and attempted to halt the vote counting process, claiming the election was neither fair nor transparent.

The government responded by deploying the military to support the police in controlling the riots. However, this only fueled further criticism, as security forces were accused of using excessive force to suppress demonstrations. Internet connectivity has been unstable across much of the country since the election, disrupting not only travel but also communication, commerce, and media access.

Observers and critics have described the election outcome as a predetermined victory rather than a genuine democratic contest. Many opposition groups and civil society leaders argue that the process lacked credibility and fairness. Their concerns were heightened by the exclusion of President Hassan’s main challengers, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, both of whom were prevented from running, effectively leaving the incumbent unopposed.

While authorities have not provided official figures on casualties resulting from the unrest, independent and international sources have begun reporting alarming details. A spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office, Seif Magango, stated on Friday that credible reports indicated at least 10 deaths occurred in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. Numerous others are believed to have been injured during clashes between protesters and security forces.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation and appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation of violence. Similarly, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway released a joint statement citing “credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries as a result of the security response to protests.”

The European Union joined other international voices in urging Tanzanian authorities to protect human life and uphold fundamental rights, stressing the importance of dialogue and transparency in restoring calm. As the nation faces mounting scrutiny and growing discontent, many citizens remain uncertain about what lies ahead, with daily life increasingly affected by political instability and communication breakdowns.