Tanzania has entered a tense period as the government announced a nationwide curfew starting at 6 PM East Africa Time in response to growing unrest across several regions.
The new directive comes amid fears of escalating protests that have rocked major towns, especially Dar es Salaam, prompting authorities to act swiftly to restore calm and maintain public safety. The curfew is one of the most significant restrictions imposed in recent years, marking a strong response to what officials describe as a threat to national order.
The decision was reached shortly after reports circulated of youths attempting to stage a protest in the Kibo area of Kimara. Security officers quickly moved in to stop the crowd before the situation could worsen, dispersing the demonstrators and blocking further gatherings.
Additional police and military personnel have since been deployed across major towns and rural areas to ensure that the curfew is strictly enforced. These heightened security measures reflect the government’s growing concern over increasing mobilization efforts, both on the ground and through social media platforms.
Authorities say intelligence reports pointed to a pattern of online coordination aimed at inciting unrest and spreading messages that challenge public order. In a firm statement, government officials warned that any individual or group found participating in acts of violence, vandalism, or online incitement will face serious legal action. The state insists that maintaining peace and stability is the priority and that no form of lawlessness will be tolerated.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors during curfew hours unless they have official clearance or emergencies that require movement.
Transport operators, including buses, taxis, and boda bodas, have been instructed to stop services by 5:30 PM to give commuters time to reach home safely.
Shops, entertainment spots, and nightclubs across major towns such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Mwanza have also been directed to shut down early to comply with the new rules.
Despite assurances from the government that essential services such as hospitals, emergency responders, and power supply will continue operating, many citizens have expressed worry about the potential economic impact.
Officials have yet to give a clear timeline for when the curfew will be lifted, saying only that it will remain in place until peace is fully restored and investigations into the recent unrest are complete.
