Tanzanian Police Enforce Curfew and Shut Down Internet to Suppress Election Protests
Key Takeaways
- Police and military deployed in Dar es Salaam to suppress violent election protests
- Internet services were shut down nationwide to restrict communication during the election
- Main opposition leaders were jailed or disqualified, leading to low voter turnout
Election Day Unrest in Tanzania
Tanzanian police enforced an evening curfew in Dar es Salaam on election day after violent clashes.
“Tanzania's authorities have imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, the nation's biggest city, following violent clashes between the police and protesters on election day”
There was a nationwide internet disruption that observers described as a digital blackout.
Western mainstream outlets report the curfew started at 18:00 and urge residents to stay indoors.
Asian and African sources link the unrest to opposition exclusions and a likely victory for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling CCM.
Multiple reports cite protests in several cities and a heavy security presence as authorities sought to contain the unrest.
Protests and Clashes Overview
Reports describe significant violence during the protests.
Vehicles, polling stations, and even a police station were set ablaze as protesters and security forces clashed.
Western mainstream outlets detail damage to infrastructure and police use of tear gas.
Other sources allege harsher tactics, including live ammunition, and note arrests amid a heavy security deployment.
The focal points of unrest spanned Dar es Salaam and other cities.
Demonstrators demanded electoral reforms and decried opposition exclusions.
Nationwide Internet Disruption
A severe internet disruption accompanied the security crackdown.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan is widely expected to win a second term, especially with the main opponents jailed or barred from running”
Western mainstream and local Western outlets describe a nationwide "digital blackout."
Asian and African sources cite widespread disruptions and a broader communication blackout hampering transparency and media coverage.
Some reports add that protesters turned to alternative tools to organize amid the shutdown.
Election Restrictions and Allegations
Opposition participation was severely constrained.
Western mainstream outlets report boycotts and the jailing of the main opposition leader on treason charges.
African and local Western sources say key opposition parties and figures were barred, detained, or disqualified.
Human rights groups accuse the government of repression, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, describing a broader 'wave of terror.'
The government denies these allegations.
DW quotes CHADEMA calling the vote a 'coronation.'
Multiple outlets note that results are due within three days.
Election Overview and Reactions
Authorities insist the election is fair while projecting continuity and development.
“Table of Contents Tanzania is in turmoil”
Observers describe shrinking political space.
Asian and Western mainstream sources note the government’s denial of abuse allegations and President Suluhu Hassan’s expected win and development messaging.
African and local Western sources emphasize CCM’s long dominance, low turnout amid safety fears, and the absence of independent observers in parts of the archipelago.
Across outlets, a three-day window for results is anticipated.
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