Tanzanian police have ordered a curfew in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, after violent protests marred an election that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to win.
The protests, fueled by the disqualification of leading opposition candidates, have resulted in reports of rock-throwing, burning buildings and police using tear gas to disperse crowds.
The curfew, which started at 6 pm local time, was announced by police after protesters took to the streets, angry about the disqualification of opposition candidates and alleged abductions of government critics.
Internet services have been disrupted across the country, with users reporting difficulties accessing social media platforms.
The opposition party CHADEMA had called for protests, describing the election as a “coronation” of Hassan, who came to power in 2021 after her predecessor died in office.
The party was disqualified in April after refusing to sign a code of conduct, and its leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason.
Hassan has denied allegations of widespread human rights abuses, saying she ordered an investigation into reports of abductions, but no official findings have been made public.
The US embassy has advised American personnel to shelter at their residences.
