Tanzania Orders Public Servants To Work From Home Over Security Concerns

DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 30 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian government on Wednesday night directed all public servants nationwide to work from home on Thursday, citing security concerns following youth-led protests on general election day, Xinhua reported.

Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka said in a televised address that only public servants whose duties require their physical presence should report to work.

He also urged private employers to allow staff to work remotely and advised the general public who have no obligation to travel to remain indoors.

Earlier on Wednesday, Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura announced in a televised broadcast a curfew in the port city of Dar es Salaam beginning at 6.00 pm local time.

"After 6.00 pm, nobody will be allowed to be seen on the streets of Dar es Salaam except the police, who will be on special duty," said Wambura, without stating the duration of the curfew.

He said the measure followed incidents of property destruction during the protests.

A Xinhua spot check found scattered groups of demonstrators, mostly youths, in parts of the city demanding electoral reforms and the release of detained opposition leaders.

Reports indicated that clashes between protesters and police turned violent, with officers reportedly opening fire. The unrest also saw damage to police posts, fuel stations, commuter buses, and polling centres across the city.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA

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