Tanzania Lifts Curfew Following Election Violence

Wed Nov 05 2025 01:11:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the aftermath of violent protests triggered by the presidential election, Tanzania's authorities have lifted a curfew in Dar es Salaam, allowing some normalcy to return.

Tanzania has lifted the nighttime curfew in Dar es Salaam, imposed after violent protests erupted following the recent presidential elections. Despite some semblance of normalcy returning, the situation remains tense as families mourn those lost in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters.

Tanzanian police have lifted a night-time curfew imposed since last Wednesday in the main city of Dar es Salaam following deadly election protests, as life slowly returns to normal across the country.

Following the unrest, internet access was cut nationwide, and most shops in Dar es Salaam were closed amid shortages of basic essentials and soaring prices. Schools shut down, and public transport came to a halt.

On Tuesday, some shops reopened and traffic resumed, albeit with persistent queues observed at various petrol stations in Dar es Salaam.

Families continue to search for or bury relatives killed in the clashes between security forces and opposition supporters who denounced the election as a sham.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in on Monday after being declared the winner of last Wednesday's election with 98% of the vote.

However, the election was marred by violence and accusations of unfair practices. Observers from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) indicated in a preliminary report that the election did not meet democratic standards.

Internet services are gradually being restored, though social media remains restricted. The police have issued a warning against sharing images from the protests.

The Chadema party has noted that it recorded at least 800 deaths, while other sources indicated a count of around 500. The UN human rights office has confirmed credible reports of at least 10 deaths in three cities, but the government has not provided official casualty figures.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of opposition party officials, including John Heche, who recently went missing after being picked up from a police station.

Human Rights Watch has criticized authorities for responding to protests with lethal force and abuses, while Amnesty International expressed alarm over excessive methods used to suppress dissent.

Despite the turmoil, President Samia acknowledged the loss of lives but indicated it was not surprising some of those arrested were foreign nationals. Her governance has faced scrutiny over tightening political freedoms, particularly following the initial hope for reform after her predecessor's tenure.