Tanzania Imposes Nationwide Lockdown and Curfew Following Post-Election Protests

Strategic Insights -

Tanzania's government has cracked down on dissent and enforced strict security measures in the aftermath of a disputed general election, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordering a nationwide lockdown and stay-at-home instructions, effective immediately. The decision follows widespread protests and clashes between security forces and demonstrators in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha. While officials attribute connectivity disruptions to technical issues, major social media platforms remain inaccessible.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tanzanian government has ordered all government ministries, agencies, and regional offices to remain closed, with only staff on essential and emergency duties allowed to report to work.
  • The private sector has been directed to comply with stay-at-home instructions, with only essential services such as health, security, power, and water services exempt from the directive.
  • A nationwide night curfew has been imposed from 7:00pm to 6:00am, with security patrols remaining on the streets and roadblocks mounted on key arteries.
  • Security forces have been deployed to disperse crowds using tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in clashes and restrictions on movement in several urban centers.
  • Civic groups and election observers have criticized the security measures, warning of further erosion of civil liberties and the integrity of the electoral process.
  • Civil society organizations have called for the release of detained opposition members and the restoration of full internet access.
  • Regional bodies, including the African Union and the East African Community, have not issued formal statements on the situation.

Statistics:

  • 7:00pm to 6:00am: The imposed curfew hours in Tanzania.
  • 3 cities: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha, where clashes between security forces and demonstrators were reported.
  • 4 urban centers: Where protests and security operations have taken place, according to estimates.
  • 2021: The year President John Magufuli died, and Samia Suluhu Hassan took office.
  • 25%: The reported turnout at several polling stations in Mwanza, Mbeya, and Zanzibar.
  • AllAfrica.com: The news distribution platform that published the Copyright 2025 Capital FM article.

Sources:

  • Capital FM, Copyright 2025. "Tanzania Imposes Nationwide Lockdown, Curfew Following Post-Election Protests" distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allafrica.com).