Tanzania Election Protests: Curfew, Internet Blackout, and Military on the Streets

By Oreoluwa O. Olaleye | 31 October 2025 | Dar es Salaam

Protests erupted across Tanzania after a disputed election. Authorities imposed curfews, shut down internet access, and deployed soldiers as early tallies showed an overwhelming lead for the incumbent president.

The Scene: Curfews, Internet Shutdown, and Soldiers on the Streets

Wednesday’s election day began with anticipation but quickly descended into chaos. Demonstrators burned buses, attacked police stations, and vandalised polling centres. In response, the government shut down internet services, declared a curfew in Dar es Salaam, and deployed soldiers to major roadblocks. The message was unmistakable: control had taken priority over calm.

Border Towns and Business Disruptions

Businesses in border towns such as Namanga, near the Kenya–Tanzania crossing, were forced to halt operations as protesters lit bonfires on highways. Police retaliated with tear gas, ferry services to Zanzibar were suspended, and government workers were sent home. Roadblocks restricted movement to those with “essential work” documents, paralysing daily life across much of the country.

Political Context: Opposition Barred, Ruling Party Dominant

Since 1961, the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has maintained an unbroken grip on power. In this election, major opposition candidates were barred from participating, leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing minimal competition. Early tallies released Thursday morning showed her leading with roughly 96.99% of votes in the first eight constituencies counted—an outcome critics say highlights a lack of transparency and fairness.

Global Reaction and Reports of Violence

The European Parliament called the elections “neither free nor fair,” urging international partners to defend democratic values and human rights. According to Amnesty International, at least two people—a civilian and a police officer—were killed during the unrest. The government has yet to release official casualty figures or respond to allegations of excessive force.

Low Turnout and Rising Tension

Turnout was notably low, with many citizens avoiding polling stations amid reports of intimidation and unrest. Fires and street clashes intensified throughout the day, deepening fears of further crackdowns. The silence from authorities only added to public uncertainty.

What’s Next

Authorities are expected to maintain curfews and continue citing “security measures” for ongoing restrictions. Observers warn that the exclusion of opposition candidates, coupled with the communication blackout, could deepen political distrust and strain Tanzania’s democratic institutions.

Outlook

International observers are calling for transparency and restraint in the post-election period. Human rights organisations urge authorities to restore internet access, lift curfews, and allow peaceful expression. As Tanzania navigates this tense aftermath, both domestic and foreign eyes remain on how the government responds to growing demands for accountability and reform.

Reporting by Oreoluwa O. Olaleye. Additional information from Reuters, Al Jazeera, Amnesty International, and the European Parliament.