Tanzania has been put on lockdown with a communications blackout , a day after elections turned into violent chaos with unconfirmed reports of many dead.
The country was on Thursday gripped by violent unrest following Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, widely criticized by opposition groups as fraudulent.
Protests, initially centered in Dar es Salaam, have spread to major cities including Mwanza, Dodoma, and Zanzibar, as demonstrators demand transparency and the release of jailed opposition figures.
The violence erupted after the National Electoral Commission began releasing early results showing President Samia Suluhu Hassan leading by overwhelming margins, with some regions reporting nearly 95% of votes in her favor.
Opposition leaders, many of whom were disqualified or imprisoned ahead of the vote, accused the government of rigging the election to secure her second term.
The chaos has spilled across the border into Kenya, where hundreds of Tanzanian protesters set up barricades and lit bonfires near the Namanga crossing.
At least two people have died in the cross-border unrest, and businesses near the border have closed as authorities warned of volatile conditions.
Inside Tanzania, police and soldiers have taken over major streets, with gunfire reported in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam. Access to Julius Nyerere International Airport has been restricted, leaving travelers stranded.
Tanzania’s Inspector General of Police, Camillus Wambura, announced a curfew in Dar es Salaam effective from 6pm, after hundreds of protesters in the Kimara and Ubungo neighborhoods set a bus and a gas station ablaze.
Hospitals, including Muhimbili National Hospital, are overwhelmed with injured protesters. Night-time curfews have been imposed in several cities, and civil servants have been ordered to work from home.
The government blames “troublemakers” for the unrest, while human rights groups warn that the heavy-handed crackdown and internet shutdowns could further destabilize the country. Social media platforms remain largely inaccessible, forcing protesters to use alternative communication tools.
Once praised for expanding political space, President Samia now faces widespread anger over arrests, intimidation, and alleged election manipulation.
Following the unpleasant situation, the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam has urged American citizens in Tanzania to exercise caution following reports of unrest across the country.
In an official statement, the Embassy said; “U.S. Government personnel are advised to shelter in place at their residences. For October 30, Embassy Dar es Salaam operations are limited to emergency consular services only.”
The embassy also provided guidance for U.S. citizens on safety measures:
“Avoid demonstrations. Avoid crowds. Keep a low profile. Monitor local media for updates. Be aware of your surroundings.”
American citizens are encouraged to follow the Embassy’s advice closely and prioritize their safety as tensions continue in urban areas.
