Seven young footballers have been tragically killed amid the violent protests following Tanzania’s controversial 2025 general elections. The players, all under the management of Viral Scout Management, were reportedly gunned down in separate incidents across major cities like Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Mwanza. Their deaths add to the mounting toll from the widespread unrest that erupted after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election for a second term, an outcome that has sparked fierce opposition and protests throughout the country.
The young footballers—Rajabu Rajab (17), Anthony Rico (18), Abdulqareem Ali (16), Peter Eliya (19), Mshani Musa (17), Omar Musa (15), and John Hosea (22)—were part of Tanzania’s next generation of football talent. Their untimely deaths were confirmed by their management agency, which expressed deep grief over the loss of “these vibrant players” caught in senseless violence.
The unrest began after allegations of electoral irregularities and the exclusion of key opposition figures from the ballot, igniting protests in major cities across the country. The opposition has accused the government of mishandling the electoral process, leading to widespread civil unrest. The violence has claimed hundreds of lives, with varying reports of fatalities. While the government claims the situation is under control, opposition groups and human rights organizations dispute the official figures, with some estimates indicating that as many as 800 people may have died in the turmoil.
The violence has also led to the death of Master Tindwa Mtopa, a sports presenter for Clouds Media Group, whose death is believed to have been at the hands of the police. Amid the unrest, the police have accused foreign nationals of stoking the violence, a claim that has sparked further controversy.
The opposition continues to demand an end to police brutality and the establishment of a transitional government to ensure free and fair elections. Meanwhile, the international community has called for calm and a full investigation into the electoral process and the deaths. As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of the protests, the future of the country and its footballing prospects remains uncertain.
