editor
As Tanzania edges closer to its October general election, unease is growing, not just within its borders but among Tanzanian communities around the world.
Videos shared widely across social media platforms have captured moments of confrontation between citizens and security forces, offering a raw and often unsettling glimpse into the country’s political climate.
This isn’t the first time tensions have risen during election periods, but the visibility of today’s unrest feels different. Technology now brings these scenes into sharp focus, allowing moments that once went unrecorded to reach a global audience instantly. It’s a reality reminiscent of a remark by American actor Will Smith, who once observed, “It’s not that racism is increasing in the United States, it’s that it’s being filmed more.” Similarly, what Tanzanians and the world are witnessing may not be entirely new — but it is far more visible.
For the Tanzanian diaspora, the images coming out of their homeland are deeply unsettling. Many grew up seeing Tanzania as a rare haven of peace in a region often marred by conflict — a view symbolized by the very name of its commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, which means “House of Peace” in Arabic. That sense of stability is now being tested, and for many abroad, it feels deeply personal.
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Tanzania’s story of peace dates back to the mid-19th century, when a modest fishing village called Mzizima was chosen by Sultan Sayyid Majid bin Said to become a new port city. He named it Dar es Salaam to embody hopes of prosperity, peaceful trade, and enduring stability. For generations, that promise largely held true.
Today, the diaspora plays a vital role in Tanzania’s development, contributing billions of dollars in remittances annually, investing in businesses, and supporting countless social initiatives. Their ties to the country are strong and emotional, which makes the current political tension all the more painful to watch from afar.
Election seasons have always carried a certain amount of anxiety. But the recent death of a demonstrator, coupled with reports of others injured, has struck a particularly heavy chord. For many abroad, the Tanzania they see through their screens feels unfamiliar, even alarming.
With just months to go before the nation heads to the polls, many Tanzanians — both at home and across the globe — are hoping that the spirit behind Dar es Salaam’s name can prevail. They are watching, waiting, and hoping that peace will again define the country they hold so dear.
Interesting perspective—thanks for making me think.