Tanzania Lifts Post-Election Curfew and Restores Internet, Signaling a Return to Normalcy
In a move signaling a cautious return to everyday life, the Tanzanian government has officially lifted a nationwide curfew and restored full internet access, effectively rolling back stringent security measures imposed during the contentious presidential election period. The decision, announced this week, brings a palpable sense of relief to a nation that had been operating under a cloud of digital darkness and restricted movement.
A Nation Emerges from Lockdown
By Tuesday morning, the streets of Dar es Salaam and other major urban centers were once again buzzing with activity. For the first time in nearly a week, citizens could move freely after nightfall, and public transport vehicles, from large buses to nimble tuk-tuks, resumed their vital roles in the economy. The scenes at bus stations were a testament to the pent-up demand for mobility, with long queues forming as services kicked back into gear, albeit with noticeably higher fares.
“The feeling is one of cautious optimism,” observed a local shopkeeper in the Kinondoni district, who asked not to be named. “The curfew was hard on business, and the internet shutdown made everything more difficult. We are happy to see things opening up, but the heavy security presence reminds us that the situation is still delicate.”
Indeed, while the curfew has been lifted, a significant deployment of security personnel remains visible across key cities, a clear indication that authorities are maintaining a state of alert.
The Digital Blackout Ends
Perhaps the most impactful change for many Tanzanians was the restoration of internet services. The digital blackout, which began on election day, October 29th, was officially implemented to prevent the spread of what the government termed “rumors” and “inflammatory content.” However, critics and digital rights advocates condemned the move as a blunt instrument to suppress dissent, control the narrative, and stifle the free flow of information.
The shutdown had a cascading effect, crippling not just social media but also essential online services. Small businesses that rely on digital payments were unable to process transactions, students were cut off from online learning resources, and families struggled to communicate. The return of connectivity marks the end of a week of profound disruption to both economic and social life.
An Election and Its Aftermath
The context for these severe measures lies in the highly anticipated presidential election. The Tanzanian Electoral Commission declared the incumbent, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the winner in a landslide victory, claiming an overwhelming 98% of the vote. This result, however, has been fiercely contested by the main opposition party, Chadema.
Chadema leaders have categorically rejected the official outcome, alleging widespread fraud and electoral manipulation. They claim that the environment leading up to the vote was marred by intimidation and that the voting and counting processes were neither free nor fair. It was these allegations and the subsequent public unrest that prompted the government to deploy its full security apparatus, including the curfew and internet blockade.
Analyzing the Government’s Strategy
So, why lift the restrictions now? The government’s decision appears to be a calculated de-escalation. By restoring normalcy, authorities may be aiming to project an image of stability and control, suggesting that the immediate threat of widespread civil disorder has passed. It is a classic strategy: apply maximum pressure to quell initial dissent, then gradually ease off to avoid fostering long-term, simmering resentment that could boil over.
This approach, however, leaves several unanswered questions. Has the underlying political tension been resolved, or merely suppressed? Can the government and the opposition find a path toward dialogue, or will the deep-seated disputes fester beneath the surface? The restoration of internet access is a critical test; it will now be much harder to control the narrative as citizens regain their digital voices.
The Road Ahead for Tanzania
The lifting of the curfew and the internet shutdown is undeniably a positive step for Tanzania’s citizens and its economy. But it is likely just the end of the first chapter in this post-election period. The fundamental political rift exposed by the election remains wide open.
The world will be watching closely to see how President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government navigates the coming weeks. Will there be space for genuine political reconciliation? How will the authorities respond to any future protests or criticisms now that the digital gates are open? The answers to these questions will determine whether this return to normalcy is permanent or merely a temporary pause in Tanzania’s ongoing political journey.
For now, the people of Tanzania are embracing their regained freedoms, one bus ride and one internet connection at a time. The path forward requires not just the absence of restrictions, but the presence of trust and inclusive governance.
This article is based on reporting from the original source. Full credit and acknowledgment go to Umuryango for their initial coverage.