Source: Africa Publicity
Civil servants in Tanzania have been asked by the country’s government to work from home amid deadly elections protests.
According to reports, at least two persons – a civilian and a police officer – were killed and several others injured during protests on October 29, 2025. Amnesty International described the alleged killings as “deeply disturbing”.
Protesters were calling for a boycott of this year’s general elections.
On Wednesday, protesters set fire to vehicles and damaged infrastructure, accusing the President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of undermining democracy as Tanzania’s main opposition leader remains in jail and another opposition figure was disqualified from the presidential election.
Protesters believe the jailing and disqualification of the opposition leaders seeks to bolster President Hassan’s chances of winning the race.
Tanzania’s main city, Dar es Salaam, as of Thursday morning, October 30, 2025, remained under heavy security, with several roads still blocked and sounds of gunfire reportedly being heard.
According to the US Embassy in Tanzania, the road to Dar es Salaam’s international airport was among several major routes that remained closed.
Curfew
The government imposed a night-time curfew in Dar es Salaam after protesters took to the streets to demand electoral reforms and political freedoms. They clashed with police.
Investigation
Amnesty International has called on Tanzanian authorities to “investigate police use of force against election day protesters.”
According to Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, “The authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during and after the elections.”
Chagutah said “reports that one general member of the public and one public officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.”
