- Police have declared a 6 p.m. curfew in Dar es Salaam following protests during national elections. Authorities say security forces will patrol the city to maintain calm.
Police in Tanzania have imposed a night curfew in Dar es Salaam, following a wave of unrest linked to the ongoing elections. The curfew, which begins at 6:00 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), was announced on Wednesday after clashes broke out in several parts of the city.
Police Inspector General Camillus Wambura said on national broadcaster TBC that the measure was meant to restore calm and prevent further chaos.
“Following the unrest that began this morning, the public is hereby informed that everyone must be home from six in the evening,” said Wambura.
He added that military and police officers would patrol major roads and residential areas throughout the night.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila assured the public that state security agencies were fully prepared to deal with any group attempting to disturb peace.
He warned that anyone found spreading propaganda or organising protests would face “strict action.”
“Even if you see propaganda on social media, know that the force to control such matters will be seven times stronger than that used to plan it,” Chalamila stated.
The commissioner urged citizens to maintain calm and trust the government’s ability to safeguard national unity and order.
Earlier in the day, police dispersed a group of youths attempting to stage a demonstration in Kimara Kibo, located between Ubungo and Kimara. Witnesses reported heavy police patrols along Morogoro Road, one of the city’s busiest routes.
During the confrontation, a polling station was vandalised, further escalating tension. The authorities have since increased surveillance in the area to prevent renewed demonstrations.
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania warned its citizens to remain indoors as demonstrations spread across several regions.
The embassy noted that security forces were actively responding to incidents of unrest, and U.S. staff had been advised to shelter in place until the situation stabilises.
The protests appear to be driven by online activist movements demanding greater political freedoms and electoral transparency.
Speaking after casting his vote, Chalamila reminded Tanzanians that peace is part of the nation’s identity and must be protected at all costs.
“Our nation’s culture is peace. If we destroy it, we lose the foundation of our existence,” he said.
He urged citizens, especially the youth, to exercise their voting rights peacefully and continue cooperating with the government to ensure stability and development in the country’s largest city.
About 33 million registered voters across Tanzania are participating in the elections to choose the next President, Members of Parliament, and local government leaders.
The outcome of the polls will determine the direction of the country’s leadership amid rising political tension and calls for reform.
