By Lisa James

Dodoma – Tanzania has been thrown into turmoil following the sudden and unexplained disappearance of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, deepening the country’s political crisis after a fiercely disputed general election.

Multiple reports suggest that several senior government officials have also vanished from the capital, fueling fears of a possible power vacuum and internal instability. Meanwhile, angry citizens have taken to the streets nationwide, demanding “truth and justice” over what they describe as a “rigged election.”

Protests have erupted in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma, with demonstrators accusing electoral authorities of manipulating results to favor the ruling elite. “We voted peacefully, but our voices were stolen,” said one protester in Arusha. “We want transparency and our true leader back.”

Since Wednesday, the country has been plunged into a total communication blackout, leaving millions in the dark about developments as security forces crack down on dissent.

Tensions escalated sharply on Thursday at the Namanga border, where Kenyan and Tanzanian youths clashed with Tanzanian police. Eyewitnesses reported that officers opened fire and deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, killing two people — identified as Tanzanian national Kabuli Balayi and Kenyan businessman John Kahindi. Their deaths have ignited widespread outrage and calls for international intervention.

Two others, including a Kenyan police officer, were seriously injured and remain hospitalized. Security forces from both countries have since been placed on high alert amid fears of further unrest and cross-border violence.

Despite the chaos, the Tanzanian government has maintained an uneasy silence — offering no clarification on the president’s whereabouts or the spiraling violence.

Regional leaders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, urging calm and dialogue. “Tanzania stands at a crossroads,” said one East African diplomat. “Only transparency and open communication can restore stability.”