- The Tanzanian government has banned the protests planned for December 9, in conjunction with the Independence Day celebrations
- Police declared the demonstration illegal, citing a lack of permission and warning that defiance would lead to arrest
- The move comes amid post-election tensions, with opposition leaders and activists facing a massive crackdown on opponents.
The police force in Tanzania has banned it protest scheduled for December 9, which coincides with the nation’s Independence Day.
Source: Getty Images
The order, issued by the Police Force Tanzaniacomes at a time of heightened political tension following the controversial general election on October 29, which led to unrest in several areas.
Police spokesman David Misime explained that the organizers had failed to notify the district authorities of the intended protest, making it illegal under national law.
He stressed that gatherings without official permission will not be allowed and warned that those who disobey the order will face arrest.
Reports indicate that awareness of the protests was spreading rapidly on social media, prompting the government to act quickly to contain the unrest.
The ban is part of a crackdown on dissent in recent weeks, where opposition leaders, activists, and internet users have faced arrest and threats.
Officials say the measures are necessary to prevent a repeat of the violent clashes witnessed in late October, when protests erupted over the exclusion of opposition candidates from elections.
President Samia Solution Hassan he was declared the winner by a landslide, although critics accuse his administration of curtailing democratic freedoms.
International concern has grown about the situation.
On December 5, the United States issued a travel advisory urging its citizens in Tanzania to prepare for possible disruptions such as curfews, internet shutdowns, and travel delays.
The advisory warned of unrest that could begin over the weekend before Independence Day.
Similarly, the Embassy of Kenya in Dar es Salaam advised Kenyans in the country to remain vigilant, avoid gatherings of people, and hide in case of violence.
Security agencies have already stepped up patrols in major cities, with riot police deployed in high-risk areas. Authorities insist that Independence Day celebrations will continue peacefully, but remain cautious about unauthorized gatherings.
Police have also flagged a number of issues being raised online, including claims of electoral justice and government accountability, which they fear could fuel unrest if left unchecked.
For many Tanzanians, the ban highlights the delicate balance between national pride and political discontent. Independence Day is usually celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and official speeches, but this year’s celebrations have been overshadowed by panic.
Civil society organizations have criticized the government’s hardline stance, saying that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right.
However, officials stress that public safety must take priority due to the volatile weather.
With December 9 approaching, attention is focused on how Tanzania will deal with the opposition while protecting the sanctity of its national day.
At the same time, the international community has its radar on Tanzania.
On Friday, December 5, at least 17 embassies and foreign embassies issued a joint statement, expressing their concern about the apparent violation of human rights.
They blamed the government, asking it to release the bodies of civilians killed in the protests.
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