The harrowing experiences of Dar's homeless youth during the October 29 unrest
In the heart of Ubungo, on the night of October 29, 2025, 14-year-old Patrick Matano found himself alone, seeking refuge from the chaos. As the city slumbered, he wandered the streets, guided by whispered instructions to find shelter. The sound of gunfire echoed through the night, a haunting reminder of the danger that loomed.
Matano, one of the many homeless youth who call the makeshift kiosks around Mwenge home, recounted his harrowing journey. He spent six days in those abandoned kiosks, a temporary haven from the violence. The sound of gunshots sent him scurrying for cover, and he learned to live with the constant fear of the unknown.
The struggle for survival was not limited to the physical dangers. The homeless youth faced a constant battle for food. Matano, who earned a living washing car windows, had to make do with two plates of rice, which he ate on October 30 and 31, despite them being past their prime. He was alone, with no knowledge of his companions' whereabouts, and his only familiar area was Mwenge.
Omari, who had moved from Tanga, shared a similar story. Their meager savings from washing cars, combined with the kindness of passersby, allowed them to buy food. They subsisted on mangoes and pawpaws they picked from the nearby bushes, enduring the rain that made their situation even more challenging.
For Jimmy Lioha, the night marked the beginning of a nightmare. They had to flee to the riverbank bushes, staying quiet and hoping to avoid detection. But the calm was short-lived. They were followed, caught, and beaten, leaving them with a sense of terror that lingered long after the initial incident.
The aftermath of the unrest saw some of the youth arrested, subjected to push-ups and other forms of abuse. Jimmy recalled the harrowing experience of fleeing from officers, witnessing their brutal treatment of his friends, and the constant fear of being caught.
Among the chaos, Mohamed Selemani, who arrived from Mwanza, found a glimmer of hope. He was rescued by a scrap collector who offered him food and clothes. Selemani stayed with the collector for four days, finding temporary solace before setting out to search for his friends.
The struggle for survival continued as they sought food and shelter. Steven Mungi, one of the youth, was tasked with buying food, a journey that took an hour to reach Kintintale in Ubungo. The meager rations they received were often insufficient for the growing group.
The longing for home was a constant theme. Matano, shaken by his experiences, yearned to return to Dodoma. He worked tirelessly to save money, hoping to afford the bus fare and reunite with his parents, who were unaware of his situation.
As life slowly returned to normal, the homeless youth continued to face challenges. Rajabu Salum, a can collector who slept on cardboard, recalled the constant fear of police patrols and the need to be agile and discreet. They sought food from residents in Upanga and resorted to stealing discarded fruit from Ilala Market at night.
The October 29 unrest left an indelible mark on the lives of these young people, a reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
