Tanzania’s army chief, General Jacob John Mkunda, has issued a stern warning to citizens as unrest persists across the country following the highly talked about Wednesday, October 29, 2025, general election.
Speaking on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Mkunda condemned criminal acts committed during election day and highlighted the role of the defence forces in restoring order.
“Fellow citizens, let it be remembered that yesterday, October 29, 2025, our country held a general election. While the process was ongoing, criminal acts were committed by certain individuals who do not wish well for our nation in various parts of the country,” he said.
He noted that on October 29, 2025, while Tanzania conducted its general elections, criminal acts were carried out by individuals acting against the interests of the nation.
These incidents, he said, involved the destruction of public infrastructure, as well as damage to both public and private property.
Mkunda described such actions as unacceptable and emphasised the need for immediate intervention.
“These acts involved the destruction of public infrastructure, as well as damage to public and private property. Such actions are criminal and unacceptable, and they must be stopped immediately,” he added.
According to the army chief, the Tanzanian defence forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, acted promptly to control the situation and will continue to strengthen security across the country.
He reminded citizens that Tanzania is governed by the rule of law, which must be respected at all times. Mkunda called on everyone involved in illegal activities to cease immediately, warning that continued criminal acts could result in further consequences under the law.
“The Tanzanian defence forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have contained the situation and continue to strengthen security across the country. Fellow citizens, our nation is governed by the rule of law, which must be observed and respected. In light of this, the army calls on all those engaging in criminal acts to stop immediately, so as to avoid unnecessary harm to the well-being of society and the country. If criminal acts persist, the army will continue to take lawful action against offenders in accordance with the law.”
The warning comes amid a wave of unrest that began on election day, with demonstrations reported in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and the border town of Tunduma.
In Dar es Salaam, authorities imposed a 6:00 pm curfew following violent clashes between police and protesters, while hospitals reported an influx of injured individuals.
Protesters demanded electoral reforms and free political activity, with some engaging in destructive behaviour such as setting fire to vehicles and damaging public infrastructure.
The unrest coincided with presidential and parliamentary elections in which President Samia Suluhu’s ruling party, CCM, was widely expected to win. Opposition leaders faced legal challenges, with one party boycotting the election entirely.
