Chaos in Dar es Salaam as election tensions boil over

On Friday, October 31, 2025, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital, became the epicenter of violent clashes between hundreds of demonstrators and police forces. Protesters demanded an immediate halt to the announcement of disputed presidential election results, accusing the ruling party of manipulating the vote.

The unrest follows Wednesday’s election, in which the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party Tanzania’s long-standing ruling faction sought to extend its decades-long grip on power.

In response to the escalating protests, the government deployed military units across key areas of the city and imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, cutting off access to social media, messaging platforms, and independent news outlets.

Advertisement

Despite the blackout, state television continued broadcasting election results, further fueling public outrage and speculation about the legitimacy of the vote.

The election has been widely criticized for: Jailing major opposition candidates, disqualifying challengers, restricting media access and foreign observers.

With limited transparency and growing repression, many Tanzanians feel the election offered no real choice, prompting mass demonstrations across urban centers and border towns.

Advertisement

The unrest in Dar es Salaam mirrors similar tensions in Namanga, near the Kenya-Tanzania border, where youth protests and border closures have disrupted trade and travel. International observers and rights groups have called for calm, transparency, and respect for democratic principles.