Tanzania’s general election has sparked widespread unrest, with civil society groups calling for the nullification of the results and the formation of a transitional government. The demand comes after top opposition contenders were excluded from the presidential ballot, leading to accusations of a predetermined outcome.
Protests erupted in several neighborhoods in Dar es Salaam, including Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto, and Kiluvya, with demonstrators defying a night curfew imposed after violent clashes coincided with polling. Police responded with gunshots and tear gas, attempting to disperse the crowds. The unrest has resulted in reported casualties, with human rights activist Tito Magoti citing at least five deaths, while a diplomatic source suggests a higher toll of at least 10 fatalities in Dar es Salaam alone. However, these figures have not been independently verified.
The exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s main challengers from the ballot has been widely criticized, with activists describing a widening intolerance for government critics. The situation has been exacerbated by disrupted internet access nationwide, making it difficult to obtain accurate information.
Despite the turmoil, the state broadcaster TBC has begun airing provisional presidential results, showing Hassan with significant leads in multiple constituencies. The unrest has also affected transport, with some international flights to and from Dar es Salaam cancelled, and airports in Arusha and near Mount Kilimanjaro closed.
Protesters, using social media and communication apps, are discussing further actions, including marches on government offices. The ongoing unrest challenges the long-held view of Tanzanians as non-confrontational, with Magoti noting that citizens are becoming more active in rewriting the country’s political culture.
The situation in Tanzania remains volatile, with the international community monitoring developments. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised of disruptions to travel plans, underscoring the need for caution. As the country navigates this critical period, the focus will be on the government’s response to the unrest and the demands of civil society groups for a more inclusive and democratic process.
