What You Need to Know
Tanzanian police have declared any protests during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on December 9 illegal, raising fears of renewed violence following unrest in October. The decision comes after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s election victory sparked widespread protests, with reports of hundreds killed and thousands arrested during the unrest.
Africa. Tanzanian police have announced that any protests during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations scheduled for December 9 will be illegal. This decision has raised fears of renewed clashes following the violent events that occurred in the country in October after the presidential elections.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory in the October elections triggered widespread protests across the nation after the exclusion of her main rivals. Opposition parties and international human rights organizations claim that hundreds were killed during those events, while thousands more were arrested.
The police justified the ban by stating that organizers of the December 9 protests are inciting participants to seize public property, disrupt health services, and block roads to cripple economic activity.
International Pressures
In this context, the United States has announced that it is reviewing its relations with Tanzania, citing concerns regarding freedom of religion and expression, as well as obstacles to American investment, in addition to what it described as violence against civilians.
Conversely, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reminded Tanzanian authorities of their duty to ensure citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, urging security forces to refrain from using force against non-violent demonstrations and to work towards de-escalating tensions.
Tanzania has a history of political unrest, particularly following elections. The October elections led to significant protests due to allegations of unfair practices and the exclusion of major opposition candidates. The government’s response to dissent has often included crackdowns on protests, raising concerns among human rights organizations and the international community regarding civil liberties and political freedoms.
