Tanzania’s streets turned chaotic on Wednesday as young protesters rose up against what many called a fake election. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, running under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, looked set for an easy win after most opposition figures were either jailed or banned. But instead of calm voting, anger filled the air, with youths declaring they would not accept a system they see as broken.
More than 37 million voters were expected to take part, yet polling stations in cities like Dar es Salaam remained half-empty. Many people stayed home, convinced the results were already decided. The ruling party, in power since independence, faced accusations of silencing rivals through arrests and intimidation. Amnesty International reported hundreds of disappearances of activists and journalists, fueling more distrust among the population.
In northern regions such as Tarime, large crowds of young people clashed with police as voting began. Security officers fired live bullets to scatter demonstrators who shouted against corruption and the president’s extended rule. Videos shared online showed groups tearing down campaign posters and chanting for change as smoke rose above the towns.
Kenyan blogger Cyprian Nyakundi posted several clips of the violence, showing youths throwing stones at riot police and blocking roads with burning tires. “Good progress,” he wrote, praising their courage. His posts quickly spread across East Africa, sparking debates about youth power and political oppression.
The protests, trending under the hashtag #SiriNiNumbers, were fueled by deep frustration. Many young Tanzanians said they face high unemployment, poverty, and shrinking freedoms. They accused the government of turning democracy into a performance. Across the nation, heavy police patrols guarded polling centers while CCM campaign banners celebrated the president’s achievements.
By Kenyans