What was expected to be a peaceful democratic exercise in Tanzania last Wednesday turned violent after several leading opposition candidates were disqualified from the presidential race.
Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam and other major cities as angry citizens took to the streets to denounce what they called an attempt to silence dissent and undermine democracy.
Witnesses reported clashes between protesters and police, with scenes of looting, vandalism, and gunfire circulating widely on social media. In response, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed the military to restore order.
Access to the internet and mobile networks has also been restricted, making it difficult for journalists and election observers to verify reports from affected areas.
Although vote counting is still underway, early results from state media suggest that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is leading by a wide margin. However, the European Parliament has dismissed the process as “neither free nor fair,” calling it a fraud unfolding for months.
Political analysts warn that the growing unrest could damage Tanzania’s image as one of East Africa’s most peaceful nations. They say major political and constitutional changes are needed to rebuild public trust and stop more violence.
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