Tanzania is burning
The United States Embassy in Tanzania has issued a warning to its citizens, advising them to stay indoors and limit any non-essential travel due to violence related to the elections.
In an update released on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:39 a.m. East African time, the embassy in Dar es Salaam reported that major roads have been closed and that an internet blackout is making communication quite challenging.
“Event: National presidential and parliamentary elections in Tanzania are ongoing. There are reports of countrywide demonstrations resulting in outbreaks of violence and roadblocks. Some major roads, including the main road to Julius Nyerere International Airport, are closed,” the advisory reads in part.
The embassy has urged U.S. citizens to steer clear of demonstrations and large gatherings, maintain a low profile, keep an eye on local news for updates, stay aware of their surroundings, and reach out to the embassy if they find themselves in any trouble.
Last night, Tanzania implemented a curfew in Dar es Salaam, its largest city, after violent clashes erupted between police and protesters on a tumultuous Election Day.
The unrest reportedly spread to various cities and towns, especially in areas known for their opposition, where residents have denounced what they describe as a lopsided election, with incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan expected to secure a win.
Alongside the curfew in Dar es Salaam, authorities have also cut off internet access, making it tough to get updates on the elections that took place yesterday. Reports suggest that towns like Arusha, Mwanza, Tarime, and Tunduma have also faced disturbances.
Sources from the city’s Muhimbili Hospital informed the BBC that they have seen a surge in injured patients as Tanzanians cast their votes in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
A diplomatic source shared with AFP that the unrest persisted into the night, despite the police-enforced curfew.
As of Thursday, the internet blackout remained in effect, and police and military checkpoints had been established around Dar es Salaam and other cities, according to the source.
There are claims that more than 30 people may have lost their lives in the violence on Wednesday, although this information has yet to be independently confirmed.
On Wednesday evening, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki posted on his social media pages that he was praying for peace.
“Praying for the peace, stability, and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters — our neighbours, the people of Tanzania,” Prof. Kindiki wrote.
Tanzania, which sits just south of Kenya and plays a vital role in trade, is home to over 250,000 Kenyans who live, work, or run businesses there.
Last night, some Kenyans who were able to reach out to their families back home described the atmosphere as tense, with several properties associated with Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) officials becoming targets.
On Election Day, Tanzania set a new precedent in the region as violence broke out—this is quite different from many African nations, including Kenya, where election-related unrest usually happens after the results are announced or contested.
Tanzania is burning
