- Tanzania imposes a curfew at 6pm in Dar es Salaam after violent protests and election chaos
- Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura ordered residents to stay indoors while police took control
- Opposition protests, internet shutdowns, and low voter turnout marked a tumultuous election day
The Tanzanian government has announced a night curfew in Dar es Salaam following the tumultuous and chaotic election day celebrated by protestarrested, and shut down the internet almost entirely.
Source: Twitter
The decision came after angry opposition supporters flooded the streets, denouncing the President’s government Samia Solution Hassan by excluding the main candidates from the election.
The curfew, which came into effect on October 29 at 6 p.m., was announced by Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura, who instructed residents to remain indoors until further notice.
“I want to inform all residents of Dar es Salaam that starting today, October 29, starting at 6 p.m., everyone must stay indoors. No one should be on the road or street after that time,” Wambura said. “Police officers and other security teams will be deployed across the city on special missions.”
Why Tanzania has imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam
Wambura’s order followed the previous remarks of the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro, who confirmed that the restrictions were intended to control the ongoing unrest. He did not specify when the curfew would be lifted.
Repeating the same message, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned that the authorities will deal strictly with anyone found disobeying the order.
“Even if you see any kind of propaganda on social media about any area of Dar es Salaam region, know that the force that will be used to control that matter is seven times more than the force that was used to organize it,” Chalamila said.
The curfew followed a day of violent clashes in several cities as Tanzanians protested what they described as “one-sided election.”
Supporters of arrested opposition leader Tundu Lissu clashed with police after his party, CHADEMA, boycotted the election, claiming it was not free or fair.
Tanzanians protest on election day
In response, security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd and set up checkpoints near highways and government buildings.
Local media reported the arrest of several people as the police increased patrols in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha.
Despite more than 37 million registered voters, polling stations across the country saw low turnout as many residents stayed at home, fearing violence.
Those who voted described a high security presence and tension that mirrored previous controversial elections.
Source: Getty Images
Did the Tanzanian government shut down internet services?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that internet services were shut down during the election, preventing citizens from sharing new information or communicating freely.
The blackout was confirmed by internet watchdog group NetBlocks, and started when voting started at 1am.
According to NetBlocks, many users reported hours of decreased connectivity before it was completely shut down.
The blackout also affected journalists and election observers, making it difficult to verify available information.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
