Police in Dar es Salaam fired gunshots and tear gas on Thursday to break up renewed protests following a disputed general election, a Reuters witness said.

Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam and other cities on Wednesday after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s main rivals were barred from the election and critics accused the government of growing repression.

Police ordered an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam, a city of more than seven million people, and internet access remained disrupted across the country.

Dozens of protesters returned to the streets of the Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto and Kiluvya neighbourhoods on Thursday, where police fired gunshots and teargas, the Reuters witness said.

PROTESTERS DISCUSS PLANS FOR NEW MARCHES

The U.S. embassy said that some major roads, including the main one leading to Dar es Salaam's international airport, were closed.

On the Zello app, which allows a smartphone to function like a walkie-talkie, some protesters discussed plans for further demonstrations, including marches on government buildings.

Spokespeople for the Tanzanian government and police did not respond to requests for comment.

CIVIL SERVANTS AND STUDENTS TOLD TO STAY HOME

In a post on his Instagram account, government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said all civil servants should work from home on Thursday except for those whose duties require them to be present at their workplaces.

The state television channel also announced that students should study from home on Thursday.

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