Tanzania Lifts Curfew in Dar es Salaam After Violent Election Protests

Tue Nov 04 2025 23:40:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Tanzanian government has lifted a curfew imposed amid chaos following the recent presidential election, while the nation grapples with the aftermath of violence that resulted in numerous casualties.

Following the unrest during last week's elections, which led to violent protests in Dar es Salaam, Tanzanian authorities have lifted a curfew imposed afterward. Internet services were disrupted, and essential supply chains were affected, leading to a tense situation as the government seeks to address the political turmoil and the casualties reported across the nation.

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

After the unrest, a nationwide internet blackout was enforced, and many shops in Dar es Salaam closed due to acute shortages of essential goods and rising prices. Schools were shut, and public transport was halted.

On Tuesday, some shops resumed operations, and traffic levels began to normalize, though long queues continued at petrol stations throughout Dar es Salaam.

As families search for or bury relatives lost in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters criticizing the election as a sham, the situation remains fraught with tension.

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

Observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported that the election did not meet democratic standards, with both main opposition leaders unable to participate: Tundu Lissu is in detention, and Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was rejected.

Reports vary on the death toll from the unrest, with Lissu's party noting over 800 casualties while diplomatic sources estimate at least 500 deaths. The UN human rights office has confirmed at least 10 fatalities across three cities.

Amid these claims, the government has refrained from releasing official casualty figures. A doctor from a major hospital has revealed that bodies of individuals believed to have succumbed during protests are being collected at night by municipal burial services for undisclosed locations.

Human Rights Watch condemned the authorities for their response to the protests, calling for investigations and accountability while Amnesty International criticized the excessive force used against demonstrators.

While acknowledging the losses and destruction, President Samia mentioned that some of those arrested were believed to be foreign nationals, potentially implying external influence in the unrest.

Initially praised for easing political repression in her tenure beginning in 2021, the political landscape under President Samia has reverted to tighter controls amid growing unrest.