Tanzania Orders Civil Servants to Work from Home After Election Unrest
The Tanzanian government has directed all civil servants to work from home following presidential and parliamentary elections marred by violence, protests, and internet disruptions.
The directive, announced by government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa on Wednesday, came after opposition-led demonstrations turned violent, leaving several people injured and two reported dead.
Protesters accused the government of suppressing democracy after key opposition figures were jailed or barred from contesting, effectively clearing the path for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s expected re-election.
Dar es Salaam, the nation’s largest city, remains under heavy security with a night curfew in place, major roads blocked, and gunfire reported early Thursday. The U.S. Embassy confirmed that access to the international airport was restricted.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemned the violence and called for restraint, an independent probe into police actions, and restoration of internet access.
President Samia, Tanzania’s first female leader, was initially lauded for easing political tensions after succeeding John Magufuli in 2021, but her administration now faces criticism for shrinking democratic space.
Vote counting is underway, with official results expected by Saturday.
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