DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The Tanzanian government has ordered all public servants to work from home following the escalation of post-election protests that rocked major cities and forced authorities to impose a night curfew in Dar es Salaam.
The directive, issued late Wednesday by George Msigwa, Chief Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, came hours after security forces clamped down on violent demonstrations sparked by allegations of electoral manipulation.
“The government directs that tomorrow, October 30, 2025, all public servants in the country should work from home, except those whose duties require them to be physically present at their workplaces as instructed by their employers,” the notice read.
The order corroborated by local media, applies to all government employees except those in essential services such as security, healthcare, and utilities.
Msigwa further advised the private sector to adopt similar precautionary measures. “Employers in the private sector are advised to observe this precaution and allow their employees to work from home,” he said.
The statement also urged Tanzanians without urgent needs to remain indoors. “Citizens who do not have an urgent need to leave their homes are advised to carry out their activities from home,” the advisory added, reflecting growing concern over the deteriorating security situation.
Tanzanian police on Wednesday night imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Dar es Salaam after violent confrontations between protesters and police left several people injured.
Medical personnel at Muhimbili National Hospital confirmed to the BBC that multiple casualties were admitted following clashes outside polling stations.
Protests intensified as demonstrators tore down President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign posters, torched vehicles, and set government premises ablaze. The unrest erupted amid widespread allegations of electoral malpractice and the exclusion of key opposition figures from the polls.
Authorities have deployed security forces across urban centers, including Arusha, Mwanza, and Zanzibar, to contain further unrest. Videos circulating online showed armored vehicles patrolling city streets as police fired tear gas to disperse crowds.
The unrest coincided with Tanzania’s general elections, which observers said were marred by low voter turnout. Many residents stayed away from polling stations, citing safety fears and frustration with what they called a “stage-managed” process.
The election is widely expected to secure an easy victory for President Samia and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, following the disqualification of opposition candidates and the imprisonment of Tundu Lissu, leader of the Chadema party, on treason charges.
Luhaga Mpina, the ACT-Wazalendo presidential hopeful, was also barred from contesting after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cited procedural violations. That left Samia facing 16 minor candidates, none with significant national support
Regional observers have expressed alarm over the government’s handling of the crisis. Analysts warn that the internet shutdown, curfews, and suppression of protests risk eroding Tanzania’s democratic standing within the East African Community (EAC).
“Tanzania is entering a fragile period,” said Dr. Yusuf Kweka, a Dar es Salaam–based political analyst. “Restricting movement, communication, and dissent during elections undermines public trust and could deepen polarization.”
As the curfew and remote-work directive take effect, the government has urged calm, insisting the measures are temporary and aimed at restoring public order. However, opposition groups maintain that the unrest is a symptom of deeper political repression and the absence of credible electoral reform.
