By Our Reporter
Residents in Dar es Salaam have expressed concern over the economic and social hardships they faced in the days following the October 29, 2025 post-election unrest, saying the disruption of business activities for nearly a week strained households that depend on daily income.
The unrest, which led to temporary shutdowns of markets, transport routes, and informal workplaces, left many families struggling to access essential goods and services.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has since called for normal social and economic activities to resume, urging the country to maintain peace and unity.
However, residents say the impact remains visible.
Habibu Sadick, a Bajaj driver in Dar es Salaam, said the five-day standstill significantly affected breadwinners who rely on daily earnings to support their families.
He explained that the disruption did not differentiate between income groups, noting that even individuals with stable salaries struggled to access basic necessities during the period of uncertainty.
“For those of us who are heavily depended on by our families, going five days without income is extremely difficult. This event also showed that regardless of one’s income level, when peace is disturbed, everyone feels the impact,” he said.
Sadick emphasized the need for citizens to value peace and stability as essential foundations of daily life.
In Changarawe, another resident, Iddi Mzese, said the unrest highlighted how easily the cost of living can rise when supply chains and markets are interrupted.
He urged young people to avoid being influenced into acts that result in violence and destruction, stressing that such actions ultimately harm the same communities participating in them.
Mzese emphasized the importance of self-reflection and responsible citizenship, noting that peace and national cohesion are critical in sustaining the country’s progress.
According to him, the events of October 29 should serve as a reminder that development is closely tied to stability, and that safeguarding harmony requires collective effort.
Economic observers note that the informal sector, which employs a large portion of Tanzania’s urban population, is particularly vulnerable to sudden shutdowns.
With many households depending on daily earnings to meet food, rent, transport, and education needs, even short periods of disruption can quickly escalate into hardship.
As normalcy returns, community voices continue to call for constructive dialogue, responsible civic engagement, and proactive youth involvement in peace-building.
The message emerging from residents is clear: lasting development can only be achieved in an environment of stability, tolerance, and mutual respect.