Tanzania’s Political Crisis: State, Protest, and Consequences

In this installment of our series Podcasting African Democracy, we sit down with Dr. Aikande Kwayu to unpack the turbulent aftermath of Tanzania’s recent presidential election. Marked by allegations of irregularities and contested legitimacy, the election sparked a wave of protests that revealed both the resilience and fragility of democratic practice in the country. Dr. Kwayu guides us through the complex interplay of state authority, citizen mobilization, and international scrutiny, highlighting how the protest movement has reshaped political discourse and exposed deep tensions between governance and grassroots demands. Together, we explore the consequences of this moment: the risks faced by protestors, the strategies of civil society, and the long‑term implications for Tanzania’s democratic trajectory. This conversation situates Tanzania’s crisis within broader debates about accountability, representation, and the future of African democracies.