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Tanzania’s government orders all civil servants to work from home
(MENAFN) Tanzania’s government has instructed all civil servants to work from home following elections on Wednesday that were marred by violence, protests, and widespread internet disruptions.
Rights groups have called for restraint after reports of casualties and injuries on election day, when demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and damaged public property.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa announced the work-from-home directive on social media shortly after a night curfew was imposed in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city, to curb unrest.
The main urban center remains heavily secured, with several roads blocked and gunfire reported early Thursday. The US Embassy noted that the road to Dar es Salaam’s international airport was among key routes that remained closed.
On election day, protesters demanding political freedoms and electoral reforms clashed violently with police in multiple towns. Amnesty International described reports that “a civilian and a police officer had been killed” as “deeply disturbing,” while hospitals in Dar es Salaam have seen a surge of wounded patients. Amnesty has also urged authorities to allow unrestricted access to information and called for an independent review of the police response.
Internet access continues to be heavily restricted nationwide, which rights groups warn could exacerbate tensions.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is widely expected to win a second term after main opposition candidates were barred from running. The ruling party, which has never lost a national election since independence, is also anticipated to secure a decisive victory.
Tundu Lissu, the main opposition leader, remains in jail on treason charges he denies, and his party boycotted the election. Another potential contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified over legal technicalities. Sixteen smaller parties, none with a strong public base, were cleared to participate.
Samia first assumed office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, following the death of President John Magufuli. Initially praised for reducing political repression, her administration has faced criticism for narrowing political space, reportedly targeting critics through arrests and a series of abductions.
Vote counting is ongoing, with official results expected by Saturday.
Rights groups have called for restraint after reports of casualties and injuries on election day, when demonstrators set vehicles ablaze and damaged public property.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa announced the work-from-home directive on social media shortly after a night curfew was imposed in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city, to curb unrest.
The main urban center remains heavily secured, with several roads blocked and gunfire reported early Thursday. The US Embassy noted that the road to Dar es Salaam’s international airport was among key routes that remained closed.
On election day, protesters demanding political freedoms and electoral reforms clashed violently with police in multiple towns. Amnesty International described reports that “a civilian and a police officer had been killed” as “deeply disturbing,” while hospitals in Dar es Salaam have seen a surge of wounded patients. Amnesty has also urged authorities to allow unrestricted access to information and called for an independent review of the police response.
Internet access continues to be heavily restricted nationwide, which rights groups warn could exacerbate tensions.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is widely expected to win a second term after main opposition candidates were barred from running. The ruling party, which has never lost a national election since independence, is also anticipated to secure a decisive victory.
Tundu Lissu, the main opposition leader, remains in jail on treason charges he denies, and his party boycotted the election. Another potential contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified over legal technicalities. Sixteen smaller parties, none with a strong public base, were cleared to participate.
Samia first assumed office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, following the death of President John Magufuli. Initially praised for reducing political repression, her administration has faced criticism for narrowing political space, reportedly targeting critics through arrests and a series of abductions.
Vote counting is ongoing, with official results expected by Saturday.
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