Security has been tightened across Tanzania as police and military patrol major cities ahead of anticipated anti-government protests coinciding with independence day. By midday local time, no demonstrations had begun, though residents reported a slow start to the day with many staying indoors.
Tanzania Protests: Heightened Security Measures
Residents in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza and other urban centers reported an unusually quiet start to the day amid uncertainty over whether protests would materialize. The demonstrations are intended to demand political reforms following post-election unrest in October, which resulted in an unknown number of deaths.
Authorities have acknowledged using force against previous protesters, alleging some groups attempted to overthrow the government. On Tuesday, streets in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, were nearly empty, a stark contrast to the usual weekday activity.
Police spokesperson David Misime assured the public of their safety and the protection of property, stating the situation remained calm nationwide. He also urged citizens to disregard old photos and video clips circulating on social media falsely depicting ongoing protests.
Security vehicles were observed along major roads and at strategic locations, including key public infrastructure. Activists and campaigners on social media urged supporters to remain vigilant, suggesting demonstrations might begin later in the day, mirroring previous protest patterns.
“We will move out, it is our right to protest… I know police are everywhere in the town and even in the street where I live… we have plans so wait, you will see what will happen,” a resident of Arusha told the BBC.
A resident of Mwanza expressed fear for her family, stating, “I am scared for my children, if these protests happen, it will create a bad atmosphere. Like now my husband is hospitalised, how am I going to attend to him? I feel protesters should call off plans to move to the streets, we need to live in peace.”
Motorists reported frequent checks at roadblocks, where officers questioned drivers about their destinations. The government has not issued detailed comments regarding the heightened security measures or the planned protests, but has banned the protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.
In neighboring Kenya, several activists were arrested Tuesday while holding a solidarity protest outside the Tanzanian high commission in Nairobi.
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