The demonstrations erupted after two major opposition candidates were barred from running against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, sparking anger and violent confrontations in several cities.
According to reports reaching our newsroom, the police and army have been deployed heavily in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, with curfews enforced over the past two nights.
According to reports reaching our newsroom, the police and army have been deployed heavily in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, with curfews enforced over the past two nights.
Several government offices and vehicles were set on fire as protesters clashed with security forces, accusing the ruling party of manipulating the elections. Internet access across the country has also been restricted since Wednesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed foreign diplomats on Friday through a televised statement, saying that the situation was under control.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed foreign diplomats on Friday through a televised statement, saying that the situation was under control.
The ministry described the ongoing unrest as “minor breaches of law and order” and assured that the security measures were “temporary but necessary.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who came into office in 2021 promising reforms and freedom, is now under growing criticism for allegedly silencing her opponents.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who came into office in 2021 promising reforms and freedom, is now under growing criticism for allegedly silencing her opponents.
The CHADEMA opposition party, led by Tundu Lissu, was barred from the election after refusing to sign a code of conduct earlier this year.
Lissu was later charged with treason. Another key opposition candidate from ACT-Wazalendo was also disqualified, leaving only minor contenders in the race.
Provisional results released by the Electoral Commission show President Hassan and her ruling CCM party leading by huge margins across the country.
Provisional results released by the Electoral Commission show President Hassan and her ruling CCM party leading by huge margins across the country.
In Zanzibar, President Hussein Mwinyi—also from CCM—secured re-election with more than 78 percent of the vote, according to official tallies.
General Jacob Mkunda, head of Tanzania’s military, appeared on state TV Thursday night, saying that the army and other security agencies had “controlled the situation.”
General Jacob Mkunda, head of Tanzania’s military, appeared on state TV Thursday night, saying that the army and other security agencies had “controlled the situation.”
However, diplomatic sources and rights activists report that dozens may have been killed in clashes, though the government has not released any official figures.
The European Parliament has condemned the elections as fraudulent, saying they were conducted in an atmosphere of fear, repression, and intimidation.
Despite government assurances of calm, eyewitnesses from Dar es Salaam and Namanga describe the streets as tense, with soldiers on patrol and residents afraid to leave their homes.
The European Parliament has condemned the elections as fraudulent, saying they were conducted in an atmosphere of fear, repression, and intimidation.
Despite government assurances of calm, eyewitnesses from Dar es Salaam and Namanga describe the streets as tense, with soldiers on patrol and residents afraid to leave their homes.
Opposition leaders have vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations demanding fair elections and political reforms.
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