Mwikwabe Brown
Tanzania’s government has advised citizens to remain at home during this year’s Independence Day celebrations as security tensions rise ahead of planned nationwide anti-government protests on December 9. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba issued the directive while delivering President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Holiday Message, saying only essential workers should report to their duty stations.
The announcement came a day after Nchemba urged the public to avoid the demonstrations, which human rights activists and opposition groups have called in response to alleged abuses following the disputed October election. Authorities declared the scheduled protests unlawful, warning that organisers intend to destabalise public order and vandalise infrastructure. The prime minister also asserted that unidentified individuals were funding young people to spark disturbances, emphasising that the nation must avoid a recurrence of recent unrest.
Security concerns escalated further after the U.S. Embassy issued a safety alert to its citizens, warning of possible curfews, internet shutdowns, roadblocks, and travel disruptions around the date of the protest. The embassy suspended non-emergency travel for its staff and urged Americans to avoid large gatherings. The US expressed concerns over the situation, reviewing its relationship with Tanzania due to issues with violence against civilians, religious freedom, and investment barriers.
In late November, the government cancelled official Independence Day celebrations and redirected the funds to repair infrastructure damaged during the unrest on October 29. Activists, however, insist the protests will go ahead, arguing that the country needs accountability and political reforms. Human rights groups and the UN Human Rights Office have reported credible information suggesting that hundreds may have been killed during and after the election, a claim the government fiercely disputed.
The move has sparked concerns over freedom of expression and assembly, with rights groups accusing the government of suppressing dissent. Independence Day, marking mainland Tanzania’s liberation from British rule on December 9, 1961, is traditionally observed with parades, presidential addresses, cultural performances, and national events. For December 9, 2025, the Tanzanian government cancelled official celebrations.
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