Tanzania's capital Dar es Salaam has been plunged into chaos as police declared a curfew amid election-day protests, with demonstrators burning a local police station and destroying banners supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The president is widely expected to win re-election, despite her top opponents being barred from the polls by electoral officials.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of utter chaos, with protesters storming public spaces and setting fire to government property. In one dramatic incident, a police station was reduced to ashes as demonstrators hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at the building.
The protests are believed to be in response to concerns over the fairness of Tanzania's electoral process, which has been marred by controversy and allegations of irregularities. Opponents of President Hassan had accused her government of manipulating the election rules to ensure a smooth victory for her re-election bid.
As the situation on the ground remains volatile, the Tanzanian authorities have taken steps to impose order. A state of emergency has been declared, with security forces deployed to maintain law and order in the capital city.
In a tense standoff, protesters and police forces are locked in a battle for control, with the president's supporters at odds with rival factions vying for power. The outcome is far from certain, but it is clear that Tanzania's future hangs in the balance as the country struggles to navigate its transition of power.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of utter chaos, with protesters storming public spaces and setting fire to government property. In one dramatic incident, a police station was reduced to ashes as demonstrators hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at the building.
The protests are believed to be in response to concerns over the fairness of Tanzania's electoral process, which has been marred by controversy and allegations of irregularities. Opponents of President Hassan had accused her government of manipulating the election rules to ensure a smooth victory for her re-election bid.
As the situation on the ground remains volatile, the Tanzanian authorities have taken steps to impose order. A state of emergency has been declared, with security forces deployed to maintain law and order in the capital city.
In a tense standoff, protesters and police forces are locked in a battle for control, with the president's supporters at odds with rival factions vying for power. The outcome is far from certain, but it is clear that Tanzania's future hangs in the balance as the country struggles to navigate its transition of power.