Tanzania is teetering on the brink of collapse as violent protests, now in their third day, rock the country following the disputed October 28 elections.

What began as scattered demonstrations over mistrust in the electoral process has spiralled into a nationwide crisis marked by deadly clashes, mass arrests and mounting international concern.

The vote — meant to elect the president and members of the National Assembly — unfolded amid widespread calls for electoral reforms as protesters defied warnings from the country's army chief to end the unrest.

Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan virtually ran unopposed after the disqualification of key opposition figures, including Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu, who is battling high treason charges for calling for electoral reforms.

Although about 38 million Tanzanians were registered to vote, turnout was dismal. Many citizens, fearful of violence, opted to stay home despite police assurances that the exercise would proceed peacefully.

Yet, by dawn on election day, pockets of unrest had already erupted. Protesters chanting anti-CCM slogans stormed some polling stations and set ablaze ballot boxes and other election materials.

Security forces swiftly moved in, firing teargas canisters and live rounds in some areas. Witnesses reported several deaths in Dar es Salaam and dozens of injuries elsewhere.

By Wednesday, the unrest had spread across the country, prompting authorities to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew as protesters on the streets chanted, "We want our country back".

Government employees were instructed to work from home as security agencies struggled to contain the swelling crowds on the streets.

The chaos soon escalated from road blockages to widespread arson targeting public offices and party buildings, with crowds of youth seen running through the streets with columns of dark smoke rising behind them.

Several critical installations were reportedly destroyed as the unrest intensified. The government is said to have shut down the internet, with international flights temporarily disrupted, cutting off much of the country from the outside world.

The international community reacted sharply. The European Parliament declared the elections “neither free nor fair,” while countries including the United Kingdom and Israel issued travel advisories, warning of possible deterioration as the country awaits the official declaration.

Social media, despite partial restrictions, has been flooded with videos showing the scale of the turmoil.

In one widely shared clip, soldiers appear to be interacting amicably with demonstrators, raising speculation that sections of the army may be sympathetic to the protesters. 

In others, streets in Dar es Salaam and Arusha burn as furious crowds tear down CCM flags and burn posters of President Suluhu, demanding her resignation.

“Haiya mambo yameharibika, mji umechafuka, shida mliowasababishaia wananchi ndio haya matokeo yake (Things have fallen apart, the city is in turmoil. This is the result of the suffering you’ve caused people),” one protester narrates in Swahili, filming a street littered with debris and burning bonfires.

While the protests are largely driven by young people, older citizens have also joined in, signalling a rare generational unity against the government.

Analysts say the unrest reflects deep-rooted frustration over economic hardship, political repression and shrinking democratic space.

Businesses linked to Tanzanian celebrities who endorsed Suluhu’s re-election have reportedly come under attack.

Shops owned by prominent musicians were reportedly looted or torched, with mobs branding them “sellouts.”

One artist is said to have fled across the border into Kenya, allegedly hiding in Mombasa, after his social media comments defending the government provoked widespread anger.

Amid the chaos, reports of multiple fatalities continue to emerge, with multiple sources putting the death toll at 10.

Graphic footage circulating online shows police firing into crowds, further fueling outrage.

“There is absolutely no justification for what is happening in Tanzania right now — the killing of our people — none whatsoever,” one user posted.

“Stop this madness of thinking our people are your slaves. They can and will break free — maybe now.”

As the nation braces for the official announcement of results, the mood is one of fear and uncertainty.

With the military deployed in major cities and communication channels restricted, many Tanzanians are left wondering whether the country’s fragile calm can hold — or whether the escalating unrest marks the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter in its history.

Independent Tanzania has never witnessed political violence in recorded history.  by EMMANUEL WANJALA, The Star