Tanzanian police have lifted a night-time curfew imposed since last Wednesday in the main city Dar es Salaam following deadly election protests, as life slowly returns to normal across the country.
Following the unrest, the internet was cut nationwide and most shops in Dar es Salaam closed amid acute shortages of basic essentials and soaring prices. Schools shut and public transport came to a halt.
On Tuesday, some shops reopened and traffic resumed but with queues persisting at some petrol stations in Dar es Salaam.
Families continue to search for or bury relatives killed in the clashes between the security forces and opposition supporters who denounced the poll as a sham.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in on Monday after being declared the winner of last Wednesday's election with 98% of the vote. Observers from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) noted that the election fell short of democratic standards.
The two main opposition leaders were unable to contest the poll, with Tundu Lissu in detention and Luhaga Mpina’s candidacy rejected on technical grounds. Reports indicate that at least 500 people died amid widespread violence, although the government has not officially confirmed casualty figures.
Internet services are slowly being restored, but social media remains restricted, and police have warned against sharing images from the protests.
Chadema party has expressed grave concerns over the situation, highlighting the disappearance of their deputy chairman John Heche after his arrest by police.
The recent violence has been met with international condemnation, with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch calling for accountability for the abuses perpetrated by the authorities.
During her inauguration ceremony, President Samia acknowledged the loss of lives and destruction of public property, attributing some of the unrest to foreign nationals. Although initially received positively for easing political repression, her administration now faces scrutiny over its handling of dissent.
