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TANZANIA ELECTIONS 2025: Police Clash with Youth Protesters in Dar es Salaam as Voting Continues
Tensions flared in Dar es Salaam as clashes broke out between security forces and youths attempting to protest near Kimara Kibo on Tanzania’s election day. Nationwide internet disruptions were also reported, while President Samia Suluhu Hassan and 16 other candidates cast their votes. The electoral commission is expected to announce official results within 72 hours.
Police in Dar es Salaam have clashed with a group of youths attempting to stage a demonstration in the Kimara Kibo area, between Ubungo and Kimara, as Tanzanians head to the polls today.
Eyewitnesses say the group began gathering near the Ufufuo na Uzima Church, which was recently closed. The church belongs to Bishop Josephat Gwajima, a former Member of Parliament under the ruling CCM party from 2015 until this year.
Meanwhile,NetBlocks,a global internet observatory, reported “nationwide internet disruptions” across Tanzania, coinciding with election day and earlier protests in the economic capital, Dar es Salaam.
Bishop Gwajima has been a vocal critic of human rights abuses and forced disappearances, often clashing with government authorities over his outspoken stance.
Police have maintained heavy patrols in the area, with security vehicles stationed along the busy Morogoro Road that connects Dar es Salaam to the Morogoro region. Authorities have not yet issued a statement on whether anyone was injured or arrested.
The demonstrations come as various youth and human rights groups call for political reforms. Such open defiance has rarely been seen in Tanzania in recent years.
Meanwhile, voting continues across the country. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking a second term under the ruling CCM party, cast her ballot in Chamwino, Dodoma. Her running mate, Emmanuel John Nchimbi, also voted earlier in Kilimani.
On the opposition side, Saum Rashid, the presidential candidate representing the UDP party, voted in Dar es Salaam. Speaking after casting her ballot, she said she is prepared to accept any outcome.
“If I win the presidential election, I’ll be grateful; and if I lose, I will congratulate and support whoever wins,” Saum told journalists, commending the electoral body for what she described as a well-organized process.
“I’m now waiting for the results and have faith that the electoral commission will deliver a fair and transparent outcome,” she added.
A total of 17 candidates are contesting the presidency. According to the National Electoral Commission, official results are expected within 72 hours.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan casts her vote at Chamwino in Dodoma during Tanzania’s 2025 general elections, where she is seeking a second term under the ruling CCM party.
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