Tanzania remains gripped by the aftermath of its worst post-election violence in decades, a crisis that has shaken its long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace and stability in Africa.
It has also earned the country rare rebukes from regional and continental organisations.
The death toll is not clear but families continue to search for or bury relatives killed following the recent disputed poll, that President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with 98% of the vote.
Samia, the soft-spoken leader whose calm and gentle demeanour initially inspired optimism, is now facing mounting accusations of leading a repressive government responsible for violently crushing protests.
The protests, organised by young people, have drawn clear parallels with global Gen Z-led mobilisations seeking change against entrenched leadership.
Analysts suggest that the unrest is unprecedented for Tanzania, stemming from stalled political reforms, simmering youth anger, power tussles within the ruling party, and sustained persecution of opposition leaders.
The recent elections were marked by significant suppression of opposition parties, with the main leaders barred from contesting. This has led to accusations of electoral fraud and calls for reform.
As President Samia embarks on her second term, she faces increasing international scrutiny and a population demanding accountability and genuine democratic processes.
