The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Tanzania has directed citizens to mark Independence Day from home on December 9, with only essential workers allowed to report to work, as authorities move to prevent planned anti-government demonstrations.
Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu said the directive aims to preserve national order, while Police Spokesperson David Misime warned that any protests on Independence Day would be illegal.
The heightened alert follows Tanzania’s disputed October 29 general election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote.
Opposition parties rejected the results, accusing the government of barring key challengers and manipulating the process.
Election-day and post-election protests erupted across Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and other cities, prompting a heavy security crackdown involving tear gas, arrests and an internet shutdown.
Opposition groups claim hundreds of people were killed — a figure the government disputes — while the African Union said the election failed to meet democratic standards.
With tensions still high, authorities fear new demonstrations on December 9, raising concerns that the national holiday could once again be marked by confrontation instead of celebration.
