The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has dismissed reports from the opposition party Chama Cha Demokrasia na Mapinduzi (CHADEMA), which stated that over 700 people have been killed following the ongoing protests.

Kombo said no verified figures at the moment to determine the actual number of people who have lost their lives.

Speaking on October 31, 2025, during a BBC interview, he added that the government is still receiving reports from various locations to determine the number of casualties and property damage.

“At the moment, nobody can state how many were injured, how many suffered, or how many properties were burnt. We are still receiving reports of vandalised private and public properties from several regions of Tanzania,” said Kombo.

According to Kombo, public and private properties vandalized by protesters include: border posts, Tanzania Revenue Authority offices, police stations, public vehicles, and cars belonging to Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), the national electricity supply company.

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) said 12 people lost their lives following the unrest in Tanzania.

However, Kombo urged people to wait for the right legal information to be out.

“We are continuing to compile this information, but for now, nobody can provide the exact figures until all the data is verified and complete,” he added.

Also Read: US Issues Nationwide Warning as Protests Escalate in Tanzania

Candidates Exclusion in 2025 Elections

The Minister said the government did not exclude any candidate; rather, the candidates excluded themselves by not signing the code of conduct for participating in the elections.

“No major candidate was excluded; the candidate who excluded themselves by not signing the code of conduct for participating in the elections,” Kombo asserted.

He added that the law requires all candidates to sign the code of conduct to qualify for participating in elections.

Internet was Shutdown

Kombo defended the internet shutdown, claiming that it was to facilitate criminal activities tied to protests, including vandalism.

“When we tried to open, it created havoc among small groups of vandalists who are creating problems in the vandalism,” he stated.

Additionally, the ban of the internet was intended to curb the surge in protests.

Also Read: Samia Suluhu Declared Winner of Tanzania’s Presidential Election

Election Results

As protests continue to escalate in Tanzania, Kombo reaffirmed that the declaration of results will proceed on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as planned.

“Yes, the announcement of results will happen on Saturday; yes, it will happen,” Kombo stated.

Army Deployment

He said the army was deployed to restore peace due to unrest.

Kombo said Dar es Salaam is peaceful, adding that restrictions are between 6:00 pm to 6:00 am while during the day operations are going on smoothly.

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Minister of Affairs in Tanzania, Thabit Kombo speaking at past event. PHOTO/W