from ALLOYCE KIMBUNGA in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania Bureau
DAR-ES-SALAAM, (CAJ News) – THE ticking time bomb Tanzania that has resembled in recent weeks has inevitably exploded.
This after arguably the most controversial polls in the country’s recent memory.
The iconic African nation is on the edge of its worst political crisis since the advent of multiparty democracy in 1992, with a contentious election on Tuesday degenerating into chaos.
Protests have broken out in the major cities on election day, Wednesday, when it was obviously a formality incumbent, Samia Suluhu Hassan, will retain power.
Demonstrators have been targeting the homes of individuals believed to be close to her. The offices of the anti-corruption agency, Takukuru, were set alight as youth ran rampage.
A heavy presence of state security has not deterred civilians.
Following the skirmishes, police have imposed a nationwide curfew from 18h00 local time to quell protestors alleging irregularities and demanding reforms.
An unspecified number of people had been injured by Wednesday evening, prompting the measure earlier imposed to restore order alongside an internet shutdown.
Before the storm, Inspector General of Police, Camillus Mongoso Wambura, had cast his vote in the Mbweni area of Dar es Salaam urging citizens to turn out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“The security situation is stable and there is no threat of any breach of peace,” he assured.
However, temperatures boiled over as the day turned out to be one of national protest rather than one for general elections.
Government critic, Liberatus Mwang’ombe, said, “Tanzania Police can announce all the curfews they want, but we will not obey illegal orders.”
“The Constitution is clear: only the president, with parliament, can impose a curfew. Our voices will not be silenced. We will keep protesting until justice is served.”
Pauline Njoroge, an entrepreneur, said Hassan had made costly mistakes, and the consequences were unfolding.
“Tanzania, which was once among Africa’s most peaceful and stable nations is suddenly on edge,” she said.
“A people long known for their calm and unity are now in the streets, protesting what they see as a one-sided election. From the look of things, curfews and military deployments will do little to calm the situation.”
Tanzania is an iconic country in Africa.
It is credited with masterminding the liberation of fellow African countries after its mainland attained self-rule from Britain in 1961.
After the return of the multiparty system in 1992, it has been one of the most stable nations in the continent.
However, it is majorly a youth country, with a median age of 17 years, thus a majority are not tied to the country’s liberation credentials.
Peter Rukundo (21), instead of participating in Arusha, where he registered to vote, opted instead to join in the protests.
“Voting is merely a formality since. The president (Hassan) has already won even before the elections are held. It’s unfair,” he said.
Hassan, in power since 2021 after the president, John Magufuli, died in office, is a clear favourite to retain power after opposition candidates were banned from contesting against her.
The United States is wary of the protests.
It has advised its personnel to “shelter in place at their residences.”
Personnel are to avoid demonstrations, avoid crowds, keep a low profile and monitor local media for updates.
From the neighbouring Uganda in the north, opposition leader, Bobi Wine, expressed solidarity with the protesters.
“The young people of Africa are speaking – let all despots listen,” he encouraged the demonstrators.
Government throttled the internet on election day and NetBlocks confirmed a national blackout was ongoing on Wednesday night.
“The measure marks a significant decline in the country’s internet freedom, threatening the transparency and credibility of the election process,” it stated.
Evans Mutunga, a commentator, said. “Cracking down on protesters with curfews, violence and internet shutdown seems like a good idea for governments to regain control in the short term but could backfire catastrophically.”
– CAJ News