Tension has gripped Tanzania following Wednesday’s general elections, with anger spilling onto the streets as citizens protested what they say was a controlled and unfair process.
Demonstrators poured into cities and towns soon after vote counting started, claiming the exercise lacked credibility because key opposition voices were either barred or in jail, leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan with a clear advantage.
The unrest spread fast, turning violent in some regions and sending protesters towards the Kenya border at Namanga, where roads were blocked, bonfires lit and posters bearing Samia’s image ripped down.
Kenyan authorities reported that two people died as they attempted to escape clashes between protesters and Tanzanian forces near the frontier, and urged residents not to join the demonstrations.
As the electoral commission released early tallies showing Samia securing about 95% of votes in Mbea province, frustration mounted among opposition supporters who accused the authorities of shutting down dissent and locking out legitimate challengers.
She also held a strong lead across several mainland constituencies and in Zanzibar, further fuelling accusations that the outcome was predetermined.
Several people were injured on voting day as protesters clashed with the policePHOTO/REUTERSParts of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma witnessed heavy deployments of security officers as roads were sealed off and patrols intensified. Gunshots were heard in Mwanza, where crowds flooded the streets before security forces responded.
An eyewitness said the situation escalated within minutes. “We started hearing gunfire and tear gas explosions,” he said. “We see some injured people are being evacuated towards our way.”
Military chief Gen Jacob Mkunda defended the state’s response, saying unrest was being driven by “bad characters who wish ill for this country” and blamed them for injuries and destruction of property.
On polling day, clashes between opposition groups and police had already resulted in confrontations, injuries and heightened tension across several regions.
The US Embassy warned travellers as access to Dar es Salaam’s airport was cut off. Hospitals, including the main Muhimbili Hospital, admitted more wounded individuals as authorities later imposed a night-time curfew in the commercial capital.
Government workers were instructed to operate from home until Friday, a move aimed at reducing movement as protests continued.
Human rights group Amnesty International called reports of deaths “deeply disturbing” and demanded unrestricted internet access, warning that digital blockages could escalate fear and confusion among residents.
With social media platforms slowed down, protesters are said to have turned to Zello, a walkie-talkie style application, to coordinate their actions.
President Samia, who first assumed office in 2021 following the passing of John Magufuli, entered the race strongly positioned, with the main opposition figure Tundu Lissu in detention on treason charges that he denies.
His party stayed away from the polls, while another hopeful, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was removed from the ballot.
The remaining 16 parties involved have traditionally struggled to gain mass support, leaving Samia’s ruling party set to extend its decades-long grip on power as vote counting continues under heavy security and rising public anger.
