Tanzania Issues Fresh Warning Against Protests After Failed Independence Day Planned Demos

Tanzania’s security agencies have intensified a crackdown on organisers of anti-government demonstrations after calls for nationwide protests on Independence Day collapsed.

The Police Force on Wednesday issued a fresh warning, saying the country remained calm despite days of online mobilisation for what activists had described as peaceful and indefinite demonstrations.

Authorities said the planned December 9 protests did not take place because organisers failed to mobilise supporters.

The police credited joint operations with other defence and security organs for what they termed a peaceful national mood.

In their statement, they said they had been monitoring the network behind the planned protests through online platforms and other communication channels used to coordinate the mobilisation.

Protesters in Tanzania.

The force reiterated earlier warnings issued on December 3 and December 5, insisting that the demonstrations had been outlawed because they did not meet requirements under the 1977 Constitution and the Police and Auxiliary Police Act.

The police accuse the organisers of promoting 13 criminal tactics aimed at disrupting the country’s economic and social stability, although they have not publicly detailed the alleged methods.

Officials also claim organisers shifted their strategy after failing to draw crowds on Independence Day and were now pushing for fresh street protests on December 10.

The police insisted that the gatherings remained illegal and would not be allowed under any circumstances.

According to the statement, security agencies will continue surveillance and enforcement to stop any attempts to destabilise the country.

The warning comes amid heightened political tension following the controversial October 29 presidential election in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared winner with nearly 98 percent of the vote.

Major opposition candidates were barred from running, prompting widespread anger and sparking deadly post-election unrest that drew global attention.

Rights groups say hundreds of protesters may have died during clashes with security forces, although the government has not released an official casualty count.

In the days leading up to Independence Day, the government advised citizens to stay home and cancelled the usual celebrations.

Security personnel were deployed across major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mwanza. Roadblocks, patrols and ID checkpoints were mounted as part of what the police described as preventive measures.

International bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Office, urged Tanzania to respect the right to peaceful assembly and called for restraint from security agencies.

Some foreign governments have hinted at reviewing relations with Dodoma over concerns about the shrinking civic space and allegations of excessive force.

Despite the warnings and heavy presence of police and soldiers on the streets, many Tanzanians appeared to have chosen to remain indoors on December 9.

Social media users reported unusually quiet roads and limited movement between neighbourhoods.

The police have maintained that anyone attempting to stage demonstrations or disrupt economic activity will face consequences.

They accused protest organisers of misleading the public and attempting to destabilise the country under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.

The force said it will continue safeguarding national security and urged citizens to comply with the law.

Authorities say the goal is to ensure Tanzania remains peaceful and stable as the country navigates one of its most politically charged periods in recent years.

On Tanzania’s Independence Day, government banned protests and ordered people to stay home. Police checked IDs everywhere.