Authorities in Tanzania have warned that any public protests planned for next week’s Independence Day celebration will be illegal, a move that has sparked fears of renewed unrest following the deadly post-election violence in October.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s election victory led to widespread demonstrations after several major opposition candidates were barred from contesting. Rights groups and opposition leaders claim hundreds were killed in the aftermath, with thousands more detained across the country.
On Friday, a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner reminded the Tanzanian government of its duty to protect the right to peaceful assembly. He urged police not to use force against non-violent gatherings and to take steps to calm the situation rather than escalate it.
Police, however, argue that those behind the planned December 9 protest are encouraging people to seize property, obstruct hospitals, and block major roads with the goal of crippling economic activities.
The United States also stated on Thursday that it is reassessing its ties with Tanzania over concerns involving religious rights, free speech violations, restrictions on investors, and ongoing violence against civilians.
