Tanzania declares December 9 protests illegal as political tensions persist
Tanzanian authorities have banned December 9 protests, calling them illegal amid post-election unrest, disputed death tolls and international pressure over rights and security.
Tanzania’s authorities have warned that protests scheduled for December 9 will be considered illegal, signalling continued friction after last month’s post-election turmoil.
The announcement comes as the nation struggles to recover from violence that erupted following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s October election win, which saw her main rivals barred from participating.
President Samia secured a decisive victory, but critics, including opposition parties and human rights groups, have accused her government of cracking down on dissent.
Activists and United Nations (UN) officials say hundreds were killed in clashes with security forces, although the government rejects these claims and insists the figures are inflated.
Police Spokesperson David Misime emphasised that authorities had not received formal applications to hold demonstrations despite widespread social media campaigns calling for action.
“The police are banning these demonstrations, which have been given the name of ‘unlimited peaceful protests’, from taking place,” Misime said.
He added that organisers were reportedly encouraging actions such as seizing property, disrupting hospital services, and remaining on the streets indefinitely to paralyse economic activities.
Earlier in the week, UN rights experts called on Tanzanian authorities to respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and take measures to prevent further violations in the lead-up to the planned protests.
President Samia has also publicly acknowledged the unrest, promising investigations into the incidents and expressing condolences to affected families.
“We hear there is another one planned … whenever they come, we are prepared,” she told elders at a meeting in Dar es Salaam, referring to the anticipated demonstrations.
The United States (US) has stated it is reviewing its diplomatic and economic relationship with Tanzania over concerns about religious freedom, free speech, barriers to investment, and violence against civilians.
In response, Tanzania’s Foreign Ministry noted statements from the EU, UN Human Rights Council, and countries including the US, Ghana, Belgium, Canada, and Denmark.
“Tanzania remains committed to constructive international cooperation for peace and development and respectfully calls upon all stakeholders to allow national mechanisms to implement steps and measures taken by the government,” the Ministry said.
With tensions mounting ahead of December 9, the government’s move underscores the ongoing struggle between calls for accountability and efforts to maintain security during one of Tanzania’s most serious political crises in decades.
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