President Samia Suluhu
By Alex Wekesa
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (IP)
The Tanzanian government has imposed a nationwide curfew starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, following widespread public unrest and violent protests during the ongoing general election.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered security forces to restore order “at all costs,” directing the immediate arrest of protesters accused of “disrupting national peace.”
Authorities also shut down internet services across the country, citing security concerns and the spread of “false information” online.
The move has sparked growing fears of an information blackout as millions of voters await official results.
Witnesses in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha reported clashes between demonstrators and police, with tear gas fired to disperse crowds alleging electoral irregularities.
Opposition leaders have accused the ruling party of interference, while government officials insist the election remains “free and fair.”
Human rights groups condemned the curfew and internet shutdown, calling it a “blatant attempt to silence citizens during a critical democratic process.”
Security forces have been deployed in major cities as tension rises.
The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, according to a government statement.
This is a developing story.
