Following the disputed election, Tanzania faces a nationwide internet blackout and heavy security deployment. The communication shutdown fuels public anger and raises fears of government suppression. Tanzania has plunged into a nationwide communication blackout as authorities continue to tighten control following the country’s controversial general election. Since election day, citizens across the nation have reported internet disruptions, blocking access to social media platforms, messaging apps, and several independent news websites. The blackout, which began shortly after protests erupted in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha, has made it extremely difficult for people to share information or verify reports of violence. According to digital rights activists, this appears to be a government-imposed shutdown, designed to control the narrative and limit the spread of footage showing the ongoing demonstrations. Residents have described the situation as “total silence,” with many unable to contact loved ones or access updates from the outside world. Businesses dependent on internet connectivity have also been affected, with e-commerce, financial transactions, and digital communications nearly paralyzed. At the same time, the Tanzanian government has deployed large numbers of police and military personnel across the country. Heavily armed officers have been seen patrolling key intersections, government buildings, and protest-prone neighborhoods. The Ministry of Defense has stated that these measures are “precautionary steps to preserve peace and order.” However, the opposition and human rights organizations argue that the heavy security presence is intended to intimidate citizens and discourage political dissent. “Cutting off the internet while deploying troops is a clear sign of repression,” said a spokesperson for Chadema, the main opposition party. “The government fears the truth and wants to hide the extent of its brutality.” International observers, including representatives from the United Nations (UN) and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the blackout, calling it a violation of freedom of expression. In a statement, the UN urged Tanzanian authorities to restore full internet access immediately and allow independent reporting of events on the ground. Meanwhile, many Tanzanians are expressing frustration over the lack of transparency. “We don’t know what’s really happening anymore,” said a resident of Dar es Salaam who managed to connect briefly using a virtual private network (VPN). “People are scared, but we deserve to know the truth.” The current crisis has sparked fears of a deeper political and social divide. Analysts warn that the combination of information control and militarization could further erode public trust in state institutions. They also note that shutting down the internet often worsens unrest rather than calming it. As tension spreads nationwide, the people of Tanzania remain in uncertainty — unable to communicate freely, fearful of security forces, and anxious about what might happen next. The blackout has become not only a technical shutdown but also a symbol of silence and suppression, reflecting the fragile state of democracy in one of East Africa’s most influential nations.

Following days of violent clashes between protesters and security forces, Tanzanian authorities have imposed a citywide curfew in Dar es Salaam to restore peace and stability. The Tanzanian government has imposed a citywide curfew in Dar es Salaam following several days of violent unrest linked to post-election protests. The decision, announced late Thursday night, comes after protesters clashed with security forces in what has become one of the most intense waves of political violence in the country’s recent history. According to Reuters, the curfew was introduced as part of a broader effort to restore calm and protect citizens after widespread demonstrations erupted across the capital and other major cities. The protests were sparked by accusations from the main opposition party, Chadema, which claims that the recent general election was rigged in favor of the ruling party. Eyewitnesses in several neighborhoods of Dar es Salaam reported heavy police and military presence, with armored vehicles patrolling the streets and checkpoints set up at key intersections. Residents were ordered to remain indoors from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and most businesses have temporarily shut down in compliance with government directives. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the curfew was necessary to prevent further bloodshed and to “ensure the safety of all Tanzanians.” However, opposition leaders and human rights organizations have criticized the move, arguing that it is being used to suppress dissent and silence citizens demanding electoral transparency. Local sources say that internet access remains limited in many parts of the country, making it difficult to verify reports of casualties or arrests. Several videos posted before the blackout show protesters chanting pro-democracy slogans while police respond with tear gas and rubber bullets. Some reports suggest that live ammunition may have been used in certain areas, though the government has denied these claims. The United Nations and the African Union have expressed concern over the situation, calling on Tanzanian authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest and to avoid excessive use of force. In a brief statement, a UN spokesperson emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation, urging both the government and opposition to prioritize the safety of civilians. Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged calm, stating that the government remains committed to maintaining order and unity. “Tanzania will not be torn apart by violence,” she said in a televised address. “We must resolve our differences through peace and democratic means.” Despite these assurances, tension remains high. Many citizens fear that the curfew could further deepen mistrust between the government and the opposition, especially as reports of police raids and mass arrests continue to circulate. For now, Dar es Salaam — usually a bustling economic hub — has turned eerily quiet. The streets are empty, shops are closed, and residents wait anxiously for signs of normalcy. Whether the curfew will bring peace or fuel further resentment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tanzania stands at a critical crossroads in its democratic journey.

Tanzania faces deadly post-election unrest. The opposition party Chadema claims 700 deaths during protests, while the UN reports at least 10 confirmed fatalities amid growing political tension. Tanzania is facing one of its most violent political crises in recent years following the general elections. The main opposition party, Chadema, has alleged that around 700 people have been killed during three days of protests that erupted after the announcement of preliminary results. The unrest has been particularly intense in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, two of the country’s largest cities. However, the United Nations (UN) has offered a more cautious assessment, stating there are “credible reports of at least 10 deaths” so far. The Tanzanian government has not released an official death toll but insists that these are merely “isolated incidents” and that the situation remains under control. The protests began after opposition leaders accused the government of rigging the election and blocking several major candidates from participating. The electoral commission declared the ruling party’s victory, but Chadema and other opposition groups denounced the results as fraudulent, claiming widespread irregularities across polling stations. Eyewitnesses have described violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Footage shared online shows burning barricades, tear gas clouds, and soldiers patrolling empty streets. In response to the growing chaos, authorities imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, deploying both police and military units to restore order. Access to the internet and social media platforms has been severely restricted, preventing many citizens from sharing information and raising concerns about transparency. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the government’s response, calling for an independent international investigation into the alleged killings and abuses. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has firmly denied accusations of excessive force, stating that the government’s priority is to preserve national peace and security. In an official statement, government spokespersons accused opposition figures of spreading misinformation aimed at destabilizing the country. For many Tanzanians, the situation is reminiscent of the violent post-election unrest of 2020, when dozens of people were killed following another disputed vote. Analysts warn that if the current crisis is not resolved through dialogue and transparency, it could undermine Tanzania’s reputation as one of East Africa’s most stable democracies. Regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) have urged all political actors to show restraint and prioritize peace. Meanwhile, local religious leaders and civil society groups are calling for calm, urging both the government and opposition to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further bloodshed. As the death toll remains contested and fear grips the streets, Tanzanians are left wondering what lies ahead. Will the government open the door to reconciliation and reform, or will this crisis deepen the divisions within the nation? Only time will tell whether peace will return — or if the violence will continue to shape Tanzania’s political future.

Le scrutin présidentiel en Côte d’Ivoire s’est déroulé dans un climat tendu. Plusieurs figures majeures de l’opposition ont été exclues de la course, provoquant des protestations et des accusations d’injustice électorale. La Côte d’Ivoire a tenu, le 25 octobre, une élection présidentielle marquée par la controverse et les tensions politiques. Si le scrutin s’est globalement déroulé sans violences majeures, le climat politique reste fragile. Plusieurs leaders de l’opposition ont été interdits de candidature, suscitant une vague d’indignation et de manifestations dans certaines régions du pays. Parmi les figures écartées figurent Guillaume Soro, ancien Premier ministre, et Laurent Gbagbo, ex-président et leader du PPA-CI. Leurs partisans dénoncent une instrumentalisation du Conseil constitutionnel, accusé d’avoir invalidé leurs candidatures pour des motifs politiques. Ces exclusions ont entraîné des accusations de déséquilibre démocratique, plusieurs opposants affirmant que le jeu électoral était faussé dès le départ. Malgré ces tensions, le gouvernement a assuré que le processus électoral s’est déroulé dans le respect des lois en vigueur. Le président sortant Alassane Ouattara, candidat à un quatrième mandat, a défendu la légitimité du scrutin, estimant qu’il était nécessaire de préserver la stabilité et la continuité du développement économique. Dans plusieurs villes, des manifestants ont exprimé leur mécontentement face à ce qu’ils considèrent comme une “élection verrouillée”. Des heurts ont été signalés à Yopougon, Bouaké et Daloa, où les forces de l’ordre ont dû intervenir pour disperser les foules. Cependant, les autorités locales affirment que la situation est restée sous contrôle et appellent au calme et au respect du processus démocratique. Les observateurs internationaux, notamment ceux de la CEDEAO et de l’Union africaine, ont reconnu certains progrès dans l’organisation logistique du scrutin, tout en soulignant le manque d’inclusivité du processus électoral. Plusieurs rapports mentionnent que la confiance entre acteurs politiques demeure faible, ce qui pourrait compromettre la réconciliation nationale tant attendue. De nombreux citoyens ivoiriens expriment aujourd’hui leur lassitude face aux tensions politiques récurrentes. “Nous voulons la paix, pas la division”, déclare une habitante d’Abidjan interrogée par un média local. Pour elle, le véritable défi du pays réside dans la capacité de ses dirigeants à écouter toutes les voix, y compris celles de l’opposition. Alors que le dépouillement des votes se poursuit, les yeux du monde restent tournés vers Abidjan. La communauté internationale appelle à la transparence et au dialogue afin d’éviter une nouvelle crise post-électorale. L’enjeu est de taille : restaurer la confiance entre le pouvoir, l’opposition et le peuple, pour garantir un avenir politique apaisé à la Côte d’Ivoire.

Après les élections du 25 octobre, le dépouillement des bulletins de vote a débuté en Côte d’Ivoire. Le président sortant Alassane Ouattara est largement pressenti pour remporter un quatrième mandat, malgré les tensions politiques. Les Ivoiriens ont voté le 25 octobre lors d’une élection présidentielle très attendue, marquant une étape cruciale pour l’avenir politique du pays. À présent, le dépouillement des bulletins de vote est en cours à travers tout le territoire national. Selon plusieurs observateurs, le président sortant Alassane Ouattara semble bien parti pour décrocher un quatrième mandat consécutif, bien que les résultats officiels ne soient pas encore proclamés. Cette élection s’est déroulée dans un climat à la fois calme et tendu. Calme, car aucune violence majeure n’a été signalée le jour du scrutin, mais tendue en raison du contexte politique marqué par la contestation de l’opposition. Plusieurs figures politiques de premier plan ont été écartées de la course, notamment l’ancien Premier ministre Guillaume Soro et l’ex-président Laurent Gbagbo, dont le parti, le PPA-CI, dénonce des manœuvres d’exclusion politique. Les observateurs nationaux et internationaux, tels que ceux de l’Union africaine et de la CEDEAO, ont salué la bonne organisation logistique du scrutin tout en soulignant des faiblesses dans la participation électorale, surtout dans les zones rurales. Dans certains bureaux, la participation a été inférieure à 40 %, ce qui pourrait refléter un désintérêt ou un boycott silencieux d’une partie de la population. Du côté du camp présidentiel, les partisans d’Alassane Ouattara affichent leur optimisme. Selon eux, la stabilité économique et les grands travaux d’infrastructures réalisés sous sa présidence plaident en sa faveur. Le président a promis de poursuivre sur cette lancée en mettant l’accent sur l’emploi des jeunes, la réduction du coût de la vie et la consolidation de la paix sociale. Cependant, pour beaucoup d’Ivoiriens, l’enjeu dépasse la simple question d’un mandat supplémentaire. Le pays, encore marqué par les crises post-électorales de 2010 et 2020, aspire à une démocratie plus inclusive et à une alternance politique réelle. Les appels au calme lancés par la Conférence des évêques de Côte d’Ivoire et plusieurs organisations de la société civile témoignent de la volonté de préserver la paix, quel que soit le verdict des urnes. Les résultats provisoires sont attendus dans les prochains jours. Si la victoire d’Alassane Ouattara se confirme, il devra composer avec une opposition affaiblie mais déterminée à faire entendre sa voix. Pour beaucoup, cette élection pourrait marquer le début d’une nouvelle ère politique en Côte d’Ivoire — soit celle de la continuité, soit celle d’un changement attendu depuis longtemps.