By Ebi Kesiena
The Tanzanian government has directed civil servants and students to remain at home on Thursday, following a chaotic general election that sparked violent protests and prompted police to impose a curfew in Dar es Salaam.
Wednesday’s vote was marked by widespread unrest as demonstrators flooded the streets of the commercial capital and several other cities. Many were angered by the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two main challengers from the presidential race and accused the government of tightening its grip on dissent.
Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Dar es Salaam, where a local government office was reportedly set ablaze. Internet access was also disrupted nationwide during the turmoil.
“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,” a message posted on the Instagram account of government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said late on Wednesday.
State television also announced that students should continue their studies from home. Msigwa did not respond to calls or messages seeking further clarification.
As the curfew lifted early on Thursday, Dar es Salaam’s streets remained largely deserted, with security personnel patrolling major roads and intersections.
Despite the calm, some protesters were heard on the Zello app — which functions like a digital walkie-talkie, discussing plans for more demonstrations, including possible marches on government buildings.
President Hassan, who became one of Africa’s two female heads of state after assuming office in 2021, initially earned praise for relaxing the harsh restrictions on political opposition and media freedoms that had intensified under her predecessor, John Magufuli.
However, in recent years, human rights advocates and opposition figures have accused her administration of orchestrating or tolerating the abductions of government critics. Hassan said last year that she had ordered an investigation into the allegations, though no official report has yet been released.
