Tanzania's Presidential Election Teeters on Chaos as Protests Erupt and Military is Deployed

Strategic Insights -

Protests erupted across Tanzania on Wednesday, with the military deployed and internet services cut, as the country teetered on the brink of chaos. The demonstrations were sparked by the harassment of opposition leaders, which critics claim has limited the election choices. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert, citing "country-wide" protests in the east African nation. The Tanzanian government announced a curfew in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, and deployed the military to maintain order.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tanzania's presidential election was marred by protests, with hundreds of demonstrators taking to the streets in cities including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar.
  • The government deployed the military to maintain order, with troops seen patrolling streets and polling stations vandalized in several districts.
  • The internet was cut nationwide, with Netblocks noting a "nationwide disruption to internet connectivity."
  • The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert, citing "country-wide" protests in Tanzania, and advising citizens to exercise caution.
  • Tanzania's inspector general of police, Camillus Wambura, announced a curfew in Dar es Salaam, citing the need to protect the public from "disruptors of peace."
  • The election was widely criticized by human rights organizations, which accused the government of arresting, detaining, and intimidating critics and opposition members.
  • The leader of the main opposition CHADEMA party, Tundu Lissu, is in prison facing treason charges, while the candidate of the second-largest opposition party was barred from running.
  • Preliminary election results are expected within 24 hours, but the electoral commission has up to seven days to announce the final outcome.
  • A university student, James Matonya, told The Associated Press that he didn't vote because the election was a "one-horse race."

Statistics:

  • Tanzania has over 37 million registered voters, a 26% increase from 2020.
  • The government has deployed the military to maintain order, with troops seen patrolling streets and polling stations vandalized in several districts.
  • Netblocks noted a "nationwide disruption to internet connectivity," affecting the entire country.
  • The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert, advising citizens to exercise caution due to "country-wide" protests.

Sources:

  • New Delhi Times - The article was published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from New Delhi Times.
  • Tanzania's inspector general of police, Camillus Wambura - Announced a curfew in Dar es Salaam on Oct 30
  • Netblocks - Noted a "nationwide disruption to internet connectivity" on Oct 30
  • The Associated Press - Interviewed a university student, James Matonya, who didn't vote because the election was a "one-horse race"
  • Amnesty International - Accused the government of arresting, detaining, and intimidating critics and opposition members
  • U.S. Embassy - Issued a security alert, citing "country-wide" protests in Tanzania on Oct 30