Tanzania’s political crisis has deepened as the whereabouts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan remain unknown amid a nationwide communication blackout and escalating post-election unrest.
For the third consecutive day, thousands of protesters have poured into the streets of major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza, demanding transparency and accountability over disputed election results.
President Samia Suluhu has not been seen publicly or appeared on state television for more than 48 hours, sparking growing speculation about her safety and location. Government institutions, including key ministries and state broadcasters, have remained silent as internet restrictions and mobile network disruptions tighten across several regions, effectively cutting off the country from the outside world.
Protests driven largely by Tanzania’s Gen Z youth have swelled across urban centers. In Dar es Salaam, demonstrators marched from Mbezi to the State House, chanting for reform and carrying placards calling for democracy. Their demands include the drafting of a new progressive Constitution, the immediate release of abducted activists, and the resignation of President Suluhu’s administration.
Witnesses report heavy police and military presence on major roads, with security forces using tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds. However, unconfirmed reports suggest growing divisions within the armed forces, as some officers are said to have refused orders and even joined protesters in several districts.
The unrest follows a disputed general election that opposition leaders have condemned as fraudulent, accusing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party of manipulating results to maintain its long-standing grip on power. As the situation deteriorates, neighboring countries are closely monitoring developments, fearing that instability in Tanzania could spill across borders.
Regional observers describe the crisis as the most volatile period in Tanzania’s political history since independence. With communication lines cut and the president’s whereabouts still a mystery, the nation now stands at a dangerous crossroads, its future uncertain as tension and anxiety grip the streets.
