Dar es Salaam: Police in Tanzania fired tear gas and live rounds on Thursday to disperse protesters who returned to the streets following a tense general election marked by violence, opposition disqualifications, and widespread allegations of government repression.
Witnesses reported renewed clashes in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, and in the northern cities of Arusha and Mwanza, a day after demonstrations erupted over the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two main challengers from the presidential race. Protesters accuse the government of tightening its grip on political dissent and curbing democratic freedoms.
Authorities imposed an overnight curfew across Dar es Salaam—a city of more than seven million people—after several government buildings and offices were set ablaze on Wednesday. Internet access, which had been severely disrupted during the voting period, appeared to return intermittently on Thursday.
Reports of Casualties Amid Heavy Crackdown
Human rights activist Tito Magoti told Reuters that he had received reports of at least five deaths linked to Wednesday’s violence. A diplomatic source, who requested anonymity, said there were “credible reports” of at least 10 fatalities in Dar es Salaam alone.
Reuters was unable to independently verify these figures, and neither government nor police officials responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation began announcing provisional election results showing President Hassan securing overwhelming majorities across several constituencies.
Protesters Plan Fresh Demonstrations
Despite the police crackdown, dozens of protesters regrouped in several Dar es Salaam neighbourhoods on Thursday morning, where officers again fired tear gas and gunshots to disperse the crowds. Similar scenes were reported in Arusha and Mwanza, where police targeted smaller gatherings.
International travel has also been disrupted. The British government confirmed the cancellation of flights to and from Dar es Salaam, while airports in Arusha and near Mount Kilimanjaro were temporarily closed. The U.S. Embassy urged its citizens to shelter in place, warning of “significant risks” associated with road travel and noting that many international flights had been cancelled.
“The people are rewriting our political culture—from being silent observers to active citizens,” said activist Magoti, describing the protests as a reflection of growing public frustration.
A Challenge for President Hassan’s Leadership
The unrest poses a serious challenge to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who initially won international praise upon taking office in 2021 for easing restrictions on opposition voices and curbing the harsh tactics associated with her predecessor, John Magufuli.
However, rights groups say that in recent years, unexplained abductions, intimidation, and harassment of government critics have resurfaced. Hassan announced an inquiry into such incidents last year, but no official findings have been released to date.
Government Orders Work-from-Home Directive
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa announced via Instagram that the work-from-home order for civil servants in Dar es Salaam would be extended through Friday. The advisory also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors for safety.
Opposition Marginalized Ahead of Polls
Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, had called for nationwide protests during the election period, which also included votes for parliamentary seats and officials in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago.
The National Electoral Commission disqualified CHADEMA in April after it refused to sign a government-drafted code of conduct, and its leader Tundu Lissu now faces treason charges. The opposition party ACT-Wazalendo was also disqualified, leaving only minor political factions to contest against President Hassan.
As Tanzania grapples with escalating unrest and deepening political divisions, observers warn that the post-election violence could further erode confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and tarnish its image as one of East Africa’s more stable nations.
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