Tanzania's Curfew Lifted as Nation Begins to Recover from Election Turmoil

Wed Nov 19 2025 09:31:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the aftermath of violent protests following Tanzania's presidential elections, authorities have lifted a night curfew, allowing life to gradually return to normal in Dar es Salaam. The recent unrest has raised serious concerns over human rights in the country, as families mourn lost loved ones and organizations call for justice.

Tanzania has lifted a night-time curfew in Dar es Salaam after protests erupted following the recent presidential elections, which were marred by violence and criticism of democratic processes. While some shops have reopened and internet services are gradually restored, reports of casualties continue to emerge, with families searching for loved ones amidst a growing atmosphere of tension and calls for accountability.

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.

Following the unrest, the internet was cut nationwide, shops in Dar es Salaam closed amid acute shortages of basic essentials and soaring prices. Schools shut and public transport came to a halt.

On Tuesday, some shops reopened, and traffic resumed but with queues persisting at some petrol stations in Dar es Salaam.

Families continue to search for or bury relatives killed in the clashes between the security forces and opposition supporters who denounced the poll as a sham.

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

Observers from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) - a regional bloc which includes Tanzania - said in a preliminary report that the election fell short of democratic standards. The two main opposition leaders were unable to contest the poll - Tundu Lissu is in detention on treason charges, which he denies, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was rejected on technical grounds.

Internet services are slowly being restored, though social media remains restricted. Police have warned against sharing images from the protests.

The Chadema party reported no less than 800 deaths by Saturday, amid diplomatic sources stating at least 500 people had died. The UN human rights office earlier confirmed there were credible reports of at least 10 casualties in three cities.

Additionally, Chadema's deputy chairman John Heche has gone missing after being picked up from a police station in Dodoma.

The police have refused to comment on his whereabouts.

Campaign groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International condemned the government's response to the protests, demanding accountability for those responsible for the violence.

President Samia acknowledged the loss of lives but suggested that the unrest might have been exacerbated by foreign influences.

As the situation stabilizes slightly, the authorities face ongoing pressure both domestically and from international observers to address these serious human rights concerns head-on.

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