TANZANIA IMPOSES CURFEW AMID POST ELECTION VIOLENCE AND PROTESTS
Tanzania has imposed a nationwide curfew starting at 6 PM East Africa Time (EAT) in response to violent protests and unrest following the country’s contentious general election held on October 29, 2025.
The curfew announcement came from Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro amid escalating tensions, particularly in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital.
“The police force following the situation announces all residents of the city of Dar es Salaam that from today, October 29, 2025 from 6 p.m. they should stay in their homes,” Muliro said.
The unrest erupted as demonstrators expressed anger over the exclusion of opposition candidates from the presidential race and accused the government of suppressing dissent. Protests turned violent with clashes between civilians and police, resulting in fires set at government offices and vehicles, as well as widespread damage to public property. Authorities also disrupted internet access across the country to contain the situation .
In addition to the curfew, Tanzanian officials instructed civil servants and students to remain home and avoid public gatherings. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa emphasized the need for telecommuting for most civil servants, while students were asked to continue studies remotely for safety reasons .
“All public servants in the country should work from home except those whose job duties require them to be present at their workplaces as directed by their employers,” said a post shared on the Instagram account of government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa late on Wednesday.
The government’s firm stance included warnings of strict actions against anyone attempting to disturb the peace, with the regional commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Alfred Chalamila, vowing to use strong measures to maintain order. Despite the curfew and police action, protesters vowed to continue demonstrations, demanding electoral reforms and a more inclusive political process.
“Even if you see there is propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam Region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied planning it,” said Chalamila.
This curfew and ongoing unrest underscore the urgency for reforms and dialogue in Tanzania to restore peace and ensure free and fair political participation.