The Tanzanian government, under President Samia Suluhu, has directed all public servants to work from home hours after the police imposed a night curfew in Dar es Salaam.
This follows the escalated protests in which demonstrators tore down President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign posters and set premises and public property ablaze.
Following a security advisory issued by the Police Force to residents of Dar es Salaam city, George Msigwa, the Tanzanian Chief Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, issued a notice to all public servants.
The order issued on October 29 applies to all public servants except those whose duties require them to be physically present at their workplaces as instructed by their employers.
“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 in part.
Guidance for the Private Sector and Citizens
According to the notice, private sector employers are also advised to allow employees to work from home as a precautionary measure.
“Employers in the private sector are advised to observe this precaution and allow their employees to work from home,” the Spokesperson emphasized.
Likewise, citizens without urgent reasons to leave their homes are advised to carry out their activities remotely.
“Citizens who do not have an urgent need to leave their homes are also advised to carry out their activities from home,” the statement noted.
Suluhu and Authorities Impose Curfew
Tanzanian authorities have enforced a night curfew in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city, after violent confrontations broke out between police officers and protesters during election day.
Also Read: Suluhu Under Pressure as Tanzanias October Elections Are Reduced to One-Horse Race
Medical sources at Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam confirmed to the BBC that several injured individuals had been brought in for treatment as citizens cast their votes in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The election is largely anticipated to secure an easy victory for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, with the main opposition leader currently imprisoned on treason charges, allegations he denies, and his party having boycotted the vote.
Protesters demanding electoral reforms and greater political freedom reportedly torched vehicles and caused significant damage to public property.
Tanzanian Voters Turn Out
Reports indicate that voter turnout in Dar es Salaam was notably low when polling stations opened on Wednesday, as many residents stayed away due to security concerns.
Also Read: Samia Suluhu: Profile of Tanzania’s First Female President with a Masters Degree from UK
Despite this, police officials reassured the public that there was no danger, urging citizens through social media messages to “come out and vote.”
Over 37 million registered Tanzanians were eligible to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
A total of 16 minor political parties, none with substantial national backing, were approved to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is seeking a second term.
The only major opposition candidate, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was barred from contesting after being disqualified on legal grounds.
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