Tanzania orders public servants to work from home as election tensions rise
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 30, 2025The Tanzanian government has asked all public servants to work from home today, Thursday, 30 October 2025, following a security alert linked to unrest during the election period.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa issued the directive on Wednesday evening. In a statement shared on Instagram, he said the decision follows a warning from the Police Force to residents of Dar es Salaam after reports of chaos in parts of the city.
He said all government employees across the country should work remotely, except those whose duties require them to be physically present at their stations. These workers will continue reporting to duty as instructed by their supervisors.
“Serikali inaelekeza kuwa kesho tarehe 30 Oktoba 2025 watumishi wote wa umma nchini wafanyie kazi nyumbani isipokuwa wale ambao majukumu yao ya kazi yanawataka kuwepo katika vituo vyao vya kazi kama ambayvo wataelekezwa na waajiri wao,” he stated.
Also watch: Amnesty International sounds alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania.
Election unrest
The announcement came shortly after the Inspector General of Police, Camillus Wambura, imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam. Police ordered residents to stay indoors from 6pm on Wednesday after violent incidents were reported in several areas during the voting exercise.
Local reports showed protests breaking out in different parts of Dar es Salaam, with additional unrest seen in Mbeya, Arusha, Songwe, and Shinyanga. Demonstrators demanded election transparency, political freedoms, and electoral reforms.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, and several people were injured. Authorities also arrested a number of individuals suspected of vandalism and disorder. Witnesses reported burned tyres, damaged public transport vehicles, and disrupted traffic in parts of the commercial capital.
Internet monitoring groups also noted disruptions to online services, with users reporting difficulties accessing social media and messaging platforms.
The unrest comes as Tanzanians take part in the country’s general election. This is the seventh national vote since the return of multiparty politics in 1992. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking a second term.
Opposition candidate Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was earlier excluded from the race on legal grounds, leaving the ballot mostly filled with smaller parties.