Tanzania is gripped by unprecedented unrest as over 80,000 citizens pour into the streets demanding the resignation of the country’s first female president.
Chanting we didn’t vote for her and waving placards calling for justice protesters are marching toward the State House in a display of frustration not seen in years.
The demonstrations erupted following growing anger over what many describe as a stolen mandate.
Protesters insist that the results of the last election do not reflect the will of the people claiming that the outcome was manipulated to keep the ruling elite in power.
The question on everyone’s lips now is if the people didn’t vote for her then who did?
In a surprising twist the military has publicly warned the police not to use live ammunition against protesters.
This rare statement has been interpreted as a subtle show of sympathy toward the masses signaling divisions within the country’s security forces.
The army’s restraint contrasts sharply with past crackdowns suggesting that even within the establishment patience with political manipulation may be running thin.
As crowds continue to swell across Dar es Salaam and other major cities the atmosphere remains tense but determined.
For many Tanzanians this movement is not just about rejecting one leader it’s a demand for truth, transparency and a government that genuinely reflects the will of its people.
Whether the presidency will withstand this wave of public discontent remains to be seen but one thing is clear the people of Tanzania have found their voice and they are no longer willing to be silenced.
By Nairobi