Tanzania’s government has downplayed protests that have rocked several cities since a general election earlier this week, describing them as “isolated incidents” and assuring that it is working to swiftly restore normalcy.
The protests erupted on Wednesday over anger about the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two biggest challengers from the race and what the government’s critics say is widespread repression.
Police have imposed an overnight curfew in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, and internet access has been disrupted since Wednesday.
While there have been no confirmed casualty counts, a diplomatic source said there were credible reports of dozens of deaths.
The government has extended a work-from-home order to civil servants and advised others without urgent reasons to stay home. The military and police have patrolled the streets, heavily restricting movement.
The unrest presents a test for Hassan, who won praise after taking office in 2021 for easing repression but has faced criticism for a series of arrests and alleged abductions of opponents.
The electoral commission has begun announcing provisional election results, showing Hassan winning commanding majorities in various constituencies.
The situation remains tense, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing unrest and allegations of human rights abuses.
