Tanzania descended into tension on Wednesday as protests erupted across several cities during the country’s presidential election, prompting the Government to deploy the military, cut internet access, and impose a curfew in the commercial hub, Dar es Salaam.
Demonstrators accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Government and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party of suppressing opposition voices and restricting electoral choices.
The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert warning of “country-wide” unrest as reports emerged of vandalised polling stations and clashes in neighbourhoods such as Kimara, Ubungo, Magomeni, and Kinondoni.
Authorities confirmed that parts of Dar es Salaam were under curfew from 6 p.m. following incidents of arson involving a bus and a petrol station. Military presence was also reported in Dodoma and Zanzibar, with armed personnel stationed near media houses. Internet monitoring group Netblocks reported a nationwide disruption of connectivity, while human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemned the atmosphere of fear surrounding the polls, citing enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings of activists.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA party remains in custody facing treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while the candidate of another major opposition party was disqualified from the race. Despite more than 37 million registered voters, turnout was reportedly low, particularly among youth who viewed the contest as predetermined. President Hassan, seeking her first full term after succeeding the late John Magufuli in 2021, faced 16 minor opposition candidates. The electoral commission is expected to release preliminary results within 24 hours, though it legally has up to seven days to declare the final outcome.