Tanzania has arrested dozens of people ahead of planned Anti-Government protests, as authorities intensify a nationwide security crackdown amid growing calls for democratic reforms and the release of jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The demonstrations, scheduled for Tuesday, coincide with the 72nd anniversary of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. They have largely been organized by youth activists demanding greater political freedoms, electoral reforms and Lissu’s release. Security has been significantly tightened across Dar es Salaam, where police officers and soldiers have been deployed along major roads, public buildings and key intersections. Although the government has not formally linked the increased security presence to the planned protests, opposition supporters say the deployment is aimed at preventing demonstrations.
Army spokesperson Sylvester Mangure warned that authorities would not tolerate any protests, citing the government’s ban on political rallies. He also accused unidentified individuals of misleading young people by claiming the military supported the demonstrations and urged the public to report anyone involved in organizing them. Police spokesperson David Misime said security agencies had stepped up operations against groups allegedly mobilizing protesters through social media, describing the planned demonstrations as unlawful. The protests have been fueled by demands for the release of Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition Chadema party, who was arrested on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms ahead of last year’s general election.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the October election with 97 percent of the vote after the country’s two main opposition parties, Chadema and ACT Wazalendo, boycotted the presidential race, alleging the electoral process was neither free nor fair. Political tensions have remained high since the election, which was followed by several days of unrest. A government-appointed committee reported that more than 500 people were killed during the violence, although opposition groups and human rights organizations dispute the official figures, claiming the death toll was significantly higher. With the planned demonstrations approaching, the government says it will take all necessary measures to maintain public order, while opposition activists continue to push for democratic reforms, respect for civil liberties and the release of political detainees.
