Violent protests erupt as Tanzanian president nears election victory

Tanzania descends into chaos as violent protests erupt in Dar es Salaam just hours before the country's highly anticipated presidential election. The streets have turned into a battleground as protesters clashed with police, with reports emerging of rocks being hurled at law enforcement officials and a petrol station set ablaze.

The atmosphere has been tense for weeks, as opposition leaders faced increasing harassment and intimidation ahead of the poll. Many have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration of cracking down on dissenting voices, including the abduction and killing of several activists in recent months.

Despite assurances from the government that all was well, internet services were disrupted across the country, with NetBlocks reporting a nationwide "digital blackout." The move has been seen as an attempt to suppress any further opposition to Hassan's re-election bid.

Critics say that the election is unlikely to be free or fair, given the dominance of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Analysts warn that voter apathy and discontent among citizens may also hinder the prospects for a smooth transition of power.

In a recent interview, Deus Valentine, chief executive of the Center for Strategic Litigation, expressed his fears about what might happen after the election. "Tanzania will never be the same after this election," he warned. "We are either entering a completely new paradigm or level of impunity, or we are entering a completely new level of civil defiance. Something is going to give."

Hassan has been campaigning on promises to strengthen healthcare and education, but her opponents are struggling to mount a credible challenge against the well-oiled machinery of the CCM party.

With many opposition leaders facing disqualification from the ballot, including Chadema's Tundu Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo's Luhaga Mpina, observers say that Hassan is set to win without any real competition. The election will take place in a country where CCM has ruled for over five decades, making it one of Africa's longest-serving political forces.

As the nation heads towards its next chapter in history, many are left wondering what the future holds – and whether Tanzania can truly expect a better tomorrow under Hassan's leadership.

Man I'm really worried about what's happening in Tanzania rn . I mean, I know elections aren't always easy, but this is getting crazy. The government is basically trying to silence anyone who's not on board with Samia Suluhu Hassan's re-election, and it's just not right. They're using the "digital blackout" thing as a way to stifle dissenting voices, which is like, totally undemocratic .

And let's be real, the opposition is struggling to mount a good fight against the CCM party, which has been in power for ages. It feels like they're trying to keep things the same as always, instead of making any real changes. I mean, promises about healthcare and education are great and all, but if the election isn't free or fair, what's the point?

I just hope that something doesn't get really out of hand after the election... I don't know, maybe I'm just reading too much into it . But at the same time, it feels like Tanzania is on the cusp of something big, and I'm not sure if it's going to be good for anyone .

I'm worried about this whole situation in Tanzania. On one hand, I get why people are upset - it feels like they're being silenced and intimidated into not speaking out against the government. The fact that opposition leaders are being disqualified from the ballot is really concerning.

But at the same time, I think it's also true that there are some underlying issues here that need to be addressed. Like, let's talk about voter apathy - it sounds like a lot of people aren't even showing up to vote, which doesn't exactly help the situation. And has Hassan's promise to strengthen healthcare and education really checked out? I mean, how can you trust her when so many things seem fishy?

I'm also kinda thinking that this whole thing might be blown out of proportion - like, we don't have all the info, right? Maybe the government is just trying to calm people down and get a sense of stability before the election. Fingers crossed it doesn't go south

OMG, I'm so worried about what's happening in Tanzania but at the same time, I think it's kinda crazy that ppl are still out protesting even when things seem bleak . I mean, yeah, internet services getting shut down and all that is not cool, but maybe this can be an opportunity for the country to have a real conversation about its future and what kind of leader they want? Like, the CCM party has been in power for ages, so maybe it's time for some fresh faces to come in and shake things up . I'm trying not to get too pessimistic and focus on the positive vibes instead...fingers crossed that Tanzania can find a way forward that's fair and just for everyone

this election is gonna be super messy , like, the gov's already trying to shut down the internet and stifle opposition, but i guess that's just how it goes in africa sometimes... but seriously, if things keep escalating into physical violence, it's not looking good for whoever wins, we all want a better future for tanzania, but this path they're on now is not gonna lead to it . i'm worried about what comes next, like Deus said, "something is going to give"... hopefully it's not a whole lot of bloodshed and chaos before the dust settles

I'm not sure why all this hype over Samia Suluhu Hassan's re-election . Just think about it, CCM has been in power for way too long - like 5 decades! It's bound to get stale. And what's with all the internet blackout? Are they trying to keep us from getting some info on what's really going on?

I don't trust this election at all, and neither should anyone else . Disqualifying opposition leaders is just another way to rig the system. It's not like Tundu Lissu or Luhaga Mpina can even campaign without CCM's goons breathing down their necks .

We're supposed to believe that Hassan's promises of stronger healthcare and education will magically fix everything? Sorry, but we've heard it all before. And what's with the 'digital blackout'? Are they trying to keep us from spreading the word about all the shady things going on?

Honestly, I'm worried about Tanzania's future too... not because of Hassan or CCM, but because of all the corruption and cronyism that comes with their kind of politics. Can't we just have a fresh start for once?

omg this is just like what happened in egypt back in 2011 remember those protests? it's so sad to see tanzania going through this too i mean what's the point of having an election if everyone knows the outcome beforehand? and have you seen the state of internet services there lol it's like they're trying to control all info before the poll anyway, i'm just worried about the aftermath whoever wins is gonna be so in power i hope people stay safe

just think about this... if there's a digital blackout and internet services get disrupted, that's like trying to hide something from people but it's hard to keep secrets when everyone's already suspicious about the government's intentions

and with all these protests erupting in Dar es Salaam, it feels like the whole country is on edge i'm worried that whoever wins this election might not be able to bring about change because the system is so entrenched

i mean, Tanzania has been ruled by one party for decades... what's to stop them from just doing whatever they want and not listening to the people anymore? it's like they're already planning their next move before the election even happens

Ugh, this is getting serious ... how long do we need to see this level of oppression before things boil over? The government's actions just seem like they're trying to bully their way into re-election, and it's not looking good for the country's future. They're basically gagging the internet and silencing opposition voices – that's not democracy, that's a dictatorship in disguise . And with the CCM party having such a stranglehold on power, I worry about the real competition (or lack thereof) in this election... Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina are being disqualified left and right, what's next?

I'M SO WORRIED ABOUT THE SITUATION IN TANZANIA . IT'S LIKE THEY'RE TRYING TO SUPPRESS ANYONE WHO DARES TO OPPOSE PRESIDENT HASSAN . I FEEL BAD FOR THE PROTESTERS WHO ARE JUST TRYING TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS . IT'S NOT OKAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTIMIDATE PEOPLE INTO NOT VOTING OR TO DISQUALIFY OPPOSITION LEADERS . I THINK IT'S TIME FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO TAKE NOTICE AND PUT SOME PRESSURE ON THE TANZANIAN GOVERNMENT . WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT ELECTIONS ARE FREE, FAIR AND SAFE FOR ALL CITIZENS .

Honestly, who's surprised at this point? Politics in Tanzania has been like watching a train wreck in slow motion – you know it's gonna be messy, but you just can't look away . The fact that the opposition is getting cracked down on is just the icing on the cake. It's all about maintaining power and not letting anyone disrupt their well-oiled machine . And with the election being a total sham, I'm pretty sure we'll be stuck in this rut for another five decades . The only thing that's for certain is that something will give – just hope it doesn't come to violence .

this is super concerning its like tanzania is at war with itself with protests and police clashing and all that just hours before the election i hope those in charge take this seriously and do something to stop the violence and make sure people can exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or harm

This election is looking super dodgy already The gov't's been cracking down on dissenting voices & now they're cutting off internet services? That's like, super manipulative It's gonna be hard for opposition leaders to campaign when their messages can't even reach the people And with Tundu Lissu & Luhaga Mpina disqualified from running... yeah, I think it's safe to say Samia Suluhu Hassan is gonna win without a real fight What's the point of having an election if you're just gonna rig it?

omg you guys can u believe this is happening in tanzania?! i mean i know politics can get ugly but violent protests?? that's just heartbreaking . it's like they're trying to take away the voice of dissenting voices. and with the internet being shut down, it's like they're controlling the narrative 100%.

i'm all for Samia Suluhu Hassan wanting to strengthen healthcare and education, but at what cost? is this really a fair election when opposition leaders are being disqualified left and right? and its not just about the politics, its about the people. how can they trust that their votes will be counted?

anyway, i'm keeping my fingers crossed that someone, anyone will stand up for what's right. because if tanzania descends into chaos, it's not just a african country problem, its a humanity problem

idk how ppl think she can do so much w/ no opposition lol like Tanzania needs more than just empty promises 4 healthcare & eduction

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I'm really worried about the situation in Tanzania right now . The lack of freedom of speech and the intimidation of opposition leaders is not acceptable . It feels like the government is trying to control every aspect of people's lives, which is just too much .

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If this election doesn't bring about real change, it's going to be tough for Tanzania to move forward . The country needs a fresh start and new ideas, not more of the same old thing . I just hope that someone can find a way to bring some peace and stability back to the country before it's too late .

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I'm also thinking about the people who are being silenced and oppressed . They deserve our support and voices need to be heard . It's not just about the election; it's about creating a better future for all Tanzanians .

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Protests in Tanzania are getting outta hand . Government should've taken action before election day instead of trying to suppress dissent now . Who's next?

omg u no wot? tanzania is literally in chaos rn police & protesters r clashing everywhere in dar es salaam. its like, how cld u even have protests with no internet tho the gov is tryin 2 suppress anythin that dont go in favor of samia suluhu hassan's re-election bid. idk wot the outcome is gonna b but i think its def not gonna b good for tanzania maybe ppl r just too tired of bein oppressed

Ugh man this is like totally not what we need right now... I mean i'm all for change and all but chaos ain't the answer Tanzania deserves so much better than this... the CCM party has been in power for ages, it's time for a shakeup and i think a lot of people are going to end up feeling really disappointed if Hassan wins without any real competition what happened to all the promises about healthcare and education? we need leaders who care about the people not just their own interests hopefully this doesn't affect the tech scene too much, i've got a few startups in dar es salaam that rely on internet services fingers crossed they can get it sorted out soon

its like tanzania is literally at a breaking point rn i mean the protests are getting more intense by the hour and it feels like theres no turning back for samia suluhu hassan... her party has been in power for ages but now its like theyre trying to shut down dissenting voices online too that cant be good for democracy at all. i wonder what the future holds for tanzania if hassan wins without any real opposition... is it gonna be more of the same old thing or are we actually seeing some real change?