Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has urged people to stay home on Tuesday, following social media calls for protests over the government’s handling of demonstrations linked to last month’s elections.
The protests erupted after opposition candidates were barred from running, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote. The unrest has drawn international attention, with the United Nations and opposition groups reporting that hundreds of people died. The government, however, has called these figures exaggerated.
Calls for Protest on Independence Day
December 9 marks the anniversary of mainland Tanzania’s independence from Britain. Social media posts last month encouraged citizens to stage demonstrations on the day, prompting the government to cancel official celebrations.
In a video posted on the government information centre’s X account on Monday, Prime Minister Nchemba said people should “use the day for rest and celebrate it at home,” except for those whose work requires them to be on duty. He did not directly mention the planned protests.
Police and Army Deployment in Major Cities
Authorities have warned that any protest would be illegal, as organisers have not submitted formal notifications. On Monday, heavy police and military presence was seen along main roads in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, the country’s commercial and northern hubs, respectively.
President Hassan has appointed a commission to investigate the election-related violence. She has repeatedly denied claims that security forces used excessive force and accused protesters of attempting to overthrow the government. The government has confirmed that deaths occurred but has not released its own figures.