Protests spread across Tanzania after elections marred by unrest
Protests have intensified across Tanzania as opposition supporters denounce Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections as fraudulent.
Hundreds of demonstrators spilled into Kenyan territory near Namanga, blocking roads, lighting bonfires, and tearing down posters of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Kenyan police confirmed two fatalities as people fled clashes with Tanzanian security forces.
Protesters accuse the government of eroding democracy after the main opposition leader was jailed and another barred from contesting, effectively clearing the path for President Samia’s re-election.
Tensions escalated Thursday when early results showed Samia winning nearly 95% of votes in the south-western Mbea region, alongside strong leads across other constituencies on the mainland and Zanzibar.
The European Union (EU) Parliament condemned the election as a “fraud” that had been “unfolding for months.” Polling day itself was marred by violent confrontations between police and opposition supporters.
Tanzania’s army chief, Gen. Jacob Mkunda, blamed “bad elements who wish ill for the nation” for the unrest and property damage.
Gunfire and tear gas were reported in Mwanza, while major roads in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma were sealed off amid heavy military deployment. Kenya has since warned its citizens to avoid protests near the border, where business activity has been brought to a standstill.
The US Embassy in Tanzania said access to Dar es Salaam’s international airport and other main roads remained restricted. Eyewitnesses in Mwanza described chaotic scenes as crowds poured into the city before security forces opened fire and used tear gas to disperse them.
Authorities have ordered civil servants to work from home until Friday. Amnesty International called reports of civilian and police fatalities “deeply disturbing,” and warned that a nationwide internet blackout could further escalate tensions.
A night curfew has been imposed in Dar es Salaam, where hospitals are reportedly treating dozens of injured protesters. Despite the unrest, President Samia is widely expected to secure a second term, as opposition candidates were either detained or disqualified.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has held power since independence, is also anticipated to maintain its dominance in parliament.
President Samia, who took office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, was initially praised for loosening political restrictions. However, critics say her administration has since reversed those gains, targeting opponents through arrests, intimidation, and enforced disappearances.
