Cloud of blood and doubt hangs over Hassan's victory: Marked by eerie calm and deadly force, the vote unfolded under an internet shutdown - amid fear and fraud.

The article focuses on the contested and violent presidential election in Tanzania on 29 October 2025, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97.66% of the vote amid reports of widespread electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and deadly clashes. Opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) and activists reported hundreds to thousands of deaths caused by security forces, while independent observers and civil society groups highlighted a climate of fear, internet shutdowns, and manipulation of ballots by ruling party agents. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) criticized the election for failing to meet democratic standards, citing repression and lack of transparency, while three journalists were confirmed killed during the election period. The article also briefly addresses the fall of El Fasher in Sudan to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), noting mass civilian casualties and displacement amid ongoing conflict and international concern over the RSF’s actions and external support.