Tanzania’s government is grappling with growing political instability just days after the controversial swearing-in of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as security agencies move to contain rising tensions across the country. In a rare directive, authorities have advised citizens to stay at home during this year’s Independence Day celebrations, citing safety concerns ahead of nationwide anti-government protests planned for December 9.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba delivered the announcement while reading the President’s holiday message, instructing that only essential workers should report to duty. The advisory follows his earlier public appeal urging Tanzanians to avoid the demonstrations, which opposition groups and human rights activists have organised in response to alleged abuses and irregularities surrounding the disputed October election—and the subsequent swearing-in that has intensified public controversy.
Mounting Security Concerns and International Warnings
Authorities have declared the protests illegal, warning that organisers aim to destabilise public order and vandalise infrastructure. The prime minister further claimed that unidentified individuals were funding young people to provoke chaos, insisting that Tanzania must not slip into the kind of unrest witnessed in recent weeks.
Security fears deepened after the U.S. Embassy issued a safety alert warning of possible curfews, communication blackouts, roadblocks, and travel disruptions. The embassy suspended non-essential travel for its staff and urged Americans to avoid gatherings as it continues to reassess relations with Tanzania amid concerns over violence against civilians, religious freedom restrictions, and investment barriers.
In late November, the government cancelled official Independence Day events and redirected the funds toward repairing infrastructure damaged during the October 29 unrest.
Rights Groups Warn of Shrinking Civic Space
Despite the ban, activists say the protests will proceed, arguing that the country urgently needs accountability and sweeping political reforms.
Human rights organisations and the UN Human Rights Office report credible information suggesting that hundreds of people may have been killed during and after the election – a claim the government strongly denies. The controversy surrounding President Samia’s swearing-in, combined with the clampdown on dissent, has intensified fears about shrinking civic space in the country. #SamiaSuluhu #Tanzania