Tanzania on Wednesday ordered all public servants to work from home on October 30, 2025, following a security alert in Dar es Salaam. The government said the measure is a precaution to protect citizens amid heightened tensions in the commercial capital.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa announced the directive on his official Instagram account, clarifying that only essential staff whose duties require physical presence are expected to report to work.
“Tomorrow, October 30, 2025, all public servants in the country will work from home, except for those whose duties require them to be physically present at their workplaces, as directed by their respective employers,” he said.
Msigwa also advised private employers to take similar precautions. “Private sector employers are advised to observe the same caution,” he noted. In addition, the general public was urged to stay indoors where possible. “Citizens who do not have to go outside are advised to carry out their activities at home,” he added, underlining the seriousness of the alert.
The warning from authorities followed a security notice from the Tanzania Police Force, which called on residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement across the city.
While the exact nature of the threat has not been made public, officials said the decision to send workers home was a preventive step to safeguard lives.
The directive comes a day after Tanzanians cast their votes on October 29, 2025, in a historic election that saw demonstrations erupting in several towns. Protesters blocked major roads and set fires in urban areas, disrupting transport and business activities.
Security forces were deployed to restore order, and parts of Dar es Salaam remained under close surveillance overnight.
The unrest reflects growing political tension, fueled by the detention and prosecution of opposition leaders. The arrest and treason charges against CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, along with restrictions on opposition activities, left many voters questioning the fairness of the elections.
These grievances contributed to clashes on election day, with youth throwing rocks, torching petrol stations, and blocking key roads, which hindered turnout and affected normal polling operations.
Authorities have emphasized that essential services, including healthcare, security, and emergency response, will continue without interruption. The Ministry of Home Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to restoring calm and ensuring stability in the city.
Tanzania’s temporary work-from-home directive underscores the government’s proactive approach to managing potential threats during a sensitive post-election period. As Msigwa stressed, “the safety of citizens is the government’s top priority.”
