According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Pulse News, police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse angry protesters demanding justice and fair elections.
The protests began after the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two main opponents from the presidential race. Many citizens say this move silenced democracy and limited their right to choose.
The protests began after the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two main opponents from the presidential race. Many citizens say this move silenced democracy and limited their right to choose.
Protesters in areas like Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto, and Kiluvya clashed with police throughout Thursday as security forces worked to clear the streets.
Following the unrest, police announced a night curfew in Dar es Salaam, a city with over seven million people. Internet access also remained limited across the country, making it hard for many to communicate or share updates.
Following the unrest, police announced a night curfew in Dar es Salaam, a city with over seven million people. Internet access also remained limited across the country, making it hard for many to communicate or share updates.
Despite the curfew, dozens of residents defied police orders and returned to the streets early Thursday morning, chanting slogans calling for “free and fair elections.”
Reports indicate that several major roads, including the main route to Julius Nyerere International Airport, were closed.
Reports indicate that several major roads, including the main route to Julius Nyerere International Airport, were closed.
On social media and communication apps, some protest groups were already discussing plans for more demonstrations in the coming days, with some suggesting peaceful marches to government offices.
Government officials have yet to comment on the situation, but the unrest has raised serious concerns about stability in Tanzania. At least one government office was set on fire, as confirmed by local residents.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces growing pressure. When she took office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, she was praised for opening up political space and relaxing restrictions on free speech.
Government officials have yet to comment on the situation, but the unrest has raised serious concerns about stability in Tanzania. At least one government office was set on fire, as confirmed by local residents.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces growing pressure. When she took office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, she was praised for opening up political space and relaxing restrictions on free speech.
However, opposition figures and human rights activists now accuse her administration of increasing repression and allowing abductions of government critics.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa posted on Instagram, directing all civil servants to work from home for safety reasons.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa posted on Instagram, directing all civil servants to work from home for safety reasons.
State television also announced that schools would remain closed and students should continue learning from home.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party CHADEMA, which had called for peaceful protests during the election, insists the process was unfair.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party CHADEMA, which had called for peaceful protests during the election, insists the process was unfair.
The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was earlier charged with treason after being barred from running. CHADEMA described the vote as “a coronation, not an election,” arguing that democracy in Tanzania is under threat.
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