Following the vote on 29 October 2025, the situation in Tanzania descended into unprecedented violence and repression. The main opposition parties were barred from participating, and the official result saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan win with around 97–98% of the vote. The African Union observer mission concluded that ‘the 2025 elections do not comply with international principles and obligations for democratic elections’. According to international organisations, at the same time, the security forces used lethal force against demonstrators and civilians, imposing internet blackouts and curfews, even during the day, in various cities, including Iringa. The number of casualties remains uncertain: the opposition claims around 700 people were killed, but some organisations estimate the death toll to be as high as 3,000. There is growing concern for democracy, freedom of expression, and the right to vote freely.
“A blatant fraud”. ‘In our village, we saw a turnout of no more than 15%, yet the official results indicated a turnout of 92%. This blatant fraud sparked a reaction from many citizens,” says Brother Paolo Boldrini, a permanent deacon of the Friars Minor Renewed from Viadana (Mantua), speaking to SIR from the mission in Kilolo, in the diocese of Iringa. He has lived in Tanzania for 41 years, except for an interlude in Corleone, Italy, from 1992 to 1997, and is the executive director of an independent local NGO called Makawi (Maendeleo na Wakati Kilolo, meaning ‘Development in step with the times Kilolo’), which he has promoted together with local people in the Kilolo region since 2004.
“Such a demonstration had never been seen before in Tanzania. Then again, neither had a scam of this magnitude.”
A group of students and volunteers were left stranded. In recent days, his fraternity in the parish of Kilolo, in the village of Pomerini, hosted a group of 28 people: 16 students from Gigli High School in Rovato (almost all of whom were minors), two teachers who were accompanying them, and 10 volunteers from the Talismano Association in Brescia. The Talismano Association has supported the Dabaga Institute of Agriculture for years. The Dabaga Institute of Agriculture is a state-accredited school of agriculture and livestock farming run by Makawi. The group had been ‘stuck’ since 29 October due to instructions from the Italian Embassy. Although they remained in a relatively quiet and restricted area, they experienced the direct and indirect consequences of the clashes in the Iringa region, such as a lack of internet and difficulty finding diesel and other goods. A few hours ago, communications were restored and the group was able to leave for Italy, while the country remains in limbo.
“Although our area of Kilolo has remained relatively calm, we have certainly felt the impact of the lack of communication. The internet was down for days, flights were suspended, and it was difficult to find diesel and other basic necessities. People were also unable to move around freely,” says Brother Boldrini. ‘Communication and flights only resumed a couple of days ago.”
A serious emergency situation. Brother Paolo emphasises that “it was not just a logistical problem, but a clear indication of the severity of the situation in Tanzania. This is evident in the suspension of schools and the closure of higher education institutions, such as Dabaga, which are still closed. There is also a curfew in place during the day in cities such as Iringa.
a government that, on the one hand, remains silent or downplays the issue, and on the other, acts with repressive measures”.
What are the prospects? “At the moment, it is difficult to make predictions.” BrotherPaolo believes that the civilian population does not yet have leaders capable of uniting them around common strategies. Even the Catholic Church in Tanzania, which has taken a clear stance in favour of respecting the vote and maintaining peace, “does not seem capable of producing committed lay leaders who can make a decisive contribution. If those in power refuse to engage in dialogue, how can we hope for a return to democracy?” asks Brother Paolo, “there is a high degree of uncertainty.”
Many activists have been arrested and accused of terrorism. “There are many cases of people who have tried to defend democracy by listening to the needs and voices of the people, and who have been silenced in completely illegal ways,” explains the missionary. The Prime Minister, Samia, “seems to be manipulated by a small group within the party that wants to wield power as it sees fit” and appears “unwilling to relinquish power at any cost, even if it means loss of life”. There are mounting international demands for an independent commission to investigate the deaths and violence, full transparency, electoral reforms, and respect for freedom of expression and association. “In this sense,” adds Brother Paolo, “if the government itself does not respect the law and prevents justice, what kind of society are we building?”
“Tanzanians are generally very tolerant, accommodating and patient, but even they have their limits,” he says. “When those limits are exceeded, I fear anything could happen. How can a government govern with less than 20% consensus?”. “The path of non-violence is the only one we can ask for,” he concludes. “But those in power need to be willing to engage in dialogue. As Pope Francis recently asked, ‘Let us pray, hope and work so that justice is guaranteed and Tanzania can once again enjoy peace.”
