Tanzania’s government has declared a citywide curfew in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest commercial hub, following violent clashes between police and protesters on election day. The unrest erupted amid growing tensions over the credibility of the polls.
According to reports from Muhimbili National Hospital, dozens of injured people were brought in after confrontations broke out in several parts of the city. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as protesters set vehicles ablaze and damaged public infrastructure while security forces responded with force to disperse the crowds.
The demonstrations coincided with presidential and parliamentary elections, widely seen as a foregone conclusion for incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party. The main opposition leader remains in jail on treason charges, which he denies, and his party has boycotted the election — a move that critics say has left voters without a real alternative.
Protesters have accused the government of undermining democracy and demanded reforms to guarantee free political participation and transparent electoral processes. Authorities, however, deny any wrongdoing and insist the election was conducted fairly.
Tanzania’s Inspector General of Police, Camelius Wambura, announced that a curfew would take effect from 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT), urging residents to remain indoors until further notice. He did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted.
The government has yet to release an official casualty figure or provide details about the extent of the damage, but the unrest marks one of the most serious public order challenges in Tanzania since President Suluhu took office.
Observers warn that the developments could heighten political tensions in a country long seen as one of East Africa’s more stable democracies.
Source: BBC / AOL News
