Tanzania directs citizens to mark independence day from home amid protest fears

Tanzanians have been directed to observe Independence Day from home, with only essential workers expected at their workplaces, as authorities move to prevent planned demonstrations on December 9, 2025.

In a press address on Monday, Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu said the directive is aimed at balancing national celebration with public order.

Zungu relayed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s greetings for a happy Independence Day on December 9, 2025, and encouraged citizens without urgent responsibilities to rest and celebrate at home.

“The government urges all citizens who have no emergency to spend the day resting. They should celebrate the day at home, apart from those whose work responsibilities need them to be at their work locations as directed,” Zungu said.

Social media calls

Authorities have cited social media calls for protests as a source of concern. Police spokesperson David Misime warned in a statement on Friday that demonstrations during the Independence Day celebrations would be illegal.

“No identifiable person has so far submitted a formal notification for the planned demonstrations,” Misime said.

He added that due to "unlawful tactics that have surfaced," the proposed rally “no longer meets the legal requirements to be authorised” and announced a ban on the planned protests.

Human Rights Watch have condemned the wrongful arrests of protest organisers and opposition supporters, urging the government to release all those arbitrarily detained.

“The Tanzanian government is building on the alarming climate of fear that prevailed before the elections to deter further protests. The authorities should end their crackdown and respect the right of Tanzanians to peacefully express their views,” Senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch Oryem Nyeko said.

Detained

Since mid-November, at least ten activists and opposition figures have been detained for online posts related to the planned protests. Among those arrested were Ambrose Leonce Dede of Chadema in Ikungi district on November 13, Kibaba Furaha Michael, a union administrator, in Geita on November 19, and teacher Clemence Mwandambo in Mbeya on November 21, accused of sharing “provocative” social media messages.

Winfrida Charles Malembeka was detained on November 28 for allegedly publishing “inflammatory information” online.

Chadema officials, including Victoria Swebe, Shabani Mabala and Lucy Shayo, have also been held without clear charges.

Human Rights Watch noted that digital surveillance and harassment have intensified, citing police raids on the Legal and Human Rights Centre in Dar es Salaam on November 12, and social media content restrictions following requests from Tanzania’s Communications Regulatory Authority.

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US embassy warning

The US embassy in Dar es Salaam warned citizens of heightened security monitoring ahead of Independence Day.

International bodies, including UN human rights experts, have raised concerns over arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances following the October 29 general elections.

An independent commission appointed by the President on November 18 to investigate post-election unrest has faced criticism for excluding civil society and opposition members.

“It’s vitally important at this critical time for the Tanzanian authorities to focus on ensuring justice and accountability for the many serious rights violations following the elections. Anything short of this will be a disservice to the many victims and to all Tanzanians’ fundamental rights," Nyeko said.