The Tanzanian government is under intense international scrutiny following a damning investigation by CNN that alleged state violence, fatal shootings, and the concealment of bodies in mass graves after the controversial October 29 elections.

This crisis escalated just hours before Tanzania abruptly cancelled its Independence Day public celebrations.

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats (SFRCdems) led by Senator Shaheen, immediately called for action. They stressed that the report highlights "disturbing actions by the Tanzanian Government to suppress protesters".

Larry Madowo//Instagram

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"Evidence of mass graves shows an unacceptable attempt to cover up gross violations of human rights."

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The committee demanded an independent investigation into these tragic acts immediately.

“There must be an independent investigation into these tragic acts immediately.”

Brutality Documented

The violence followed the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who claimed she won with 98% of the vote. Citizens were angered, claiming the election was unfair.

The Larry Madowo-led CNN investigation, which occurred three weeks after the events, documented the brutality unleashed on young demonstrators.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu // X

Security forces reportedly cracked down hard on protesters. Forensic analysis of video and audio confirmed fatalities.

ALSO READ: CNN Uncovers Mass Grave Signs in Tanzania Following Post-Election Unrests

In Arusha, shots rang out after armed police approached protesters. A woman, three months pregnant, who was the breadwinner for her family, was hit by a bullet in the back and died instantly. Audio forensic analysis confirmed the gunshots came from the direction of the police.

Overwhelmed Morgues and Alleged Mass Graves

The crackdown spanned late October and early November. In Mwanza, bodies reportedly piled up outside the regional hospital.

One anonymous doctor detailed the overwhelming volume of victims killed during the police action. He reported:

“Four trips with piles of dead bodies taken to the mortuary until it was full, just for others to be piled outside.”

Morgues in Dar es Salaam, including the Mwananyamala hospital, were also overwhelmed. Police are now accused of dumping bodies in mass graves to hide the true number of fatalities.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu // X

Satellite imagery supported the allegation, showing soil disturbance in a cemetery before and after the protests.

The main opposition party claims that at least 2,000 people were killed during the weeklong protests.

Government Response and Cancellation

In response to the growing chaos, President Hassan has launched a commission of inquiry into the unrest.

However, the government has refused to confirm a death toll. The police and government dismissed the opposition’s figures as “hugely exaggerated”.

Tanzania’s Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, stated that verification of the CNN report is ongoing.

He claimed that the article, authored by Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo, failed to follow professional journalistic standards.

“The CNN article covering events in Tanzania from October 29, 2025, did not adhere to professionalism or fairness.”

In a significant domestic move, Tanzania cancelled public celebrations for its Independence Day, slated for December 9.

READ TOO: What We Know So Far About Larry Madowo Vs Tanzania Gov’t Over Alleged Post-Election Killings

The move is seen as an attempt to counter a fresh wave of protests planned by opposition groups for that date.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the cancellation, saying the funds would be re-channelled to repair damaged infrastructure and address the economic slump.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu // X

The President is currently battling legitimacy concerns after several regional and international groups dismissed the October election results.

Furthermore, police actions have continued, targeting administrators of social media groups accused of spreading hatred and mobilising for the planned December 9 protests.