Tanzanian authorities have lifted the night-time curfew in Dar es Salaam after a week of deadly election-related violence that left hundreds feared dead and the nation in shock. The curfew, imposed last Wednesday, followed widespread protests over the controversial re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured 98% of the vote.
During the unrest, internet access was cut nationwide, businesses shut down, and transport services halted as fear gripped the country’s largest city. On Tuesday, shops and schools cautiously reopened, and traffic began to flow again, though queues persisted at petrol stations and essential supplies remained scarce.
President Samia was sworn in on Monday despite international criticism. Observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said the poll failed to meet democratic standards. The opposition party Chadema, led by detained politician Tundu Lissu, denounced the results as fraudulent and accused security forces of killing hundreds of civilians.
Chadema claims that at least 800 people have died, while diplomatic and UN sources cite lower but credible figures. The government has yet to release an official death toll. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the “lethal force” used by police and called for an independent investigation into the violence.
Tensions deepened after Chadema’s deputy chairman, John Heche, reportedly went missing following police custody in Dodoma. His family and party members say they have been unable to locate him.
Witnesses in Dar es Salaam allege that “Municipal Burial Services” vehicles have been collecting bodies under police escort at night. A doctor at Muhimbili Hospital told the BBC that families were being denied access to the bodies of their loved ones.
Grieving relatives continue to search for missing family members. One woman, Mama Kassim, said she had not seen her two sons since election day. “I don’t know if they’ve been arrested or if they’re dead,” she said tearfully.
Among the victims was a 33-year-old Kenyan teacher, John Okoth Ogutu, reportedly shot by police while buying food. His family has appealed for help to repatriate his body.
Despite growing pressure, the government has downplayed the scale of the violence, blaming foreign nationals for instigating the protests. President Samia acknowledged the “loss of lives” during her inauguration but defended the security response, saying arrests of foreigners were “not surprising.”
Samia, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021, was initially praised for opening up political space after the Magufuli era. However, the post-election turmoil has raised concerns that the country is slipping back into authoritarian practices.