A Nation in Fear
“We are safe but in great fear,” Our friend from Tanzania shared.
“An urgent intercession is requested from the global community of faith: to pray fervently for immediate divine intervention regarding food and physical safety for the struggling citizens and their families.”
Another adds,
“Shops, petrol stations, and polling centers linked to the ruling party were burned. Lives have been lost. The internet was off for 26 hours, and we’re under a 6 pm curfew. Pray for calmness of mind—hearing gunshots every so often is terrifying.”
(Join the Africa Speaks community here to hear more exclusive reports from our friends in Tanzania and learn how you can pray with them.)
These few words, sent from believers in Tanzania this week, carry the weight of a nation on edge and paints a vivid picture of what Tanzanians are experiencing in the wake of their October 2025 general elections. What began as post-election unrest has now spiraled into a humanitarian crisis marked by food shortages, violence, and fear.
From Dar es Salaam to Arusha, life has been brought to an abrupt halt. Government-imposed curfews and lockdown measures in response to election unrest have left many daily wage earners unable to work. Roads were blocked, businesses suspended, and key transport links disrupted, deepening the economic strain across the country.
The Silence of a Nation Under Siege
What makes the crisis even more terrifying is the total information blackout. For more than 30hours, Tanzanians have been cut off from the internet, SMS, and international calls.
“Only what is allowed to come from the outside world is money through cell phones,” wrote another believer, describing how streets are reportedly littered with bodies after days of gunfire.
“Masked, armed individuals—watu wasiojulikana—are executing citizens in broad daylight… we are passing through death,” he adds.
While Zanzibar and some Muslim-majority regions remain relatively calm, much of mainland Tanzania is described as “a spiritual battle — a war between light and darkness, righteousness and evil.”
Unrest and Uncertainty After Elections
The country held its general elections amid charges that critical opposition parties were barred from participating, and that voting lacked meaningful competition. On election day and in the days following, major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha experienced large-scale protests, polling stations were attacked, roads were blocked, and security forces, including the army, were deployed.
Meanwhile, internet services were shut down nationwide, curfews enforced, and many citizens were left uncertain and fearful.
Why It Matters to Us
For those of us in the African publishing community, such unrest is not distant news, it affects our very work. Our mission, to build a flourishing Christian publishing industry and share the gospel — is directly challenged by instability. That’s why, beyond concern, we must respond with prayer.
Indeed, this is a moment to lift Tanzania before God.
Let us pray:
- For restoration of peace and order in Tanzania.
- For leaders with wisdom and restraint to guide the nation forward.
- For protection and comfort for those living in fear and loss.
- For the spread of the gospel even in the face of instability — that hope in Christ may reach every corner.
God wills shalom for Africa. As we pray for her welfare, may God restore calm, and may we be reminded that the welfare of our nations is deeply tied to our own.
“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” — Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)