Can calm return to Tanzania after one of its most turbulent elections in years? Authorities have directed all civil servants and students to remain at home on Thursday, following a day of violent protests that rocked the nation’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. The unrest erupted during Wednesday’s general election, which was marred by the disqualification of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two main challengers and growing anger over what protesters describe as deepening political repression.
Jocomms correspondents report that clashes between demonstrators and security forces left parts of Dar es Salaam in chaos, with a local government office set ablaze and widespread internet disruptions cutting off communication nationwide. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa announced via Instagram that only essential public workers whose duties required physical presence were to report for work, while state television instructed students to study from home. Early Thursday morning, the city’s streets were eerily quiet under a heavy security presence as residents emerged from a police-imposed curfew.
Despite the temporary calm, discussions on the Zello app—used by activists to coordinate protests—suggest that plans for renewed demonstrations are already underway, including possible marches on government buildings. As tensions simmer and the world watches, the question now is—will Tanzania’s leadership seek dialogue or further tighten its grip in the face of mounting dissent? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
