Tanzanian authorities have issued a strong warning advising citizens to remain indoors on Tuesday, saying protests planned to coincide with Independence Day are illegal and amount to an attempted overthrow of the state.
The upcoming demonstrations were called for by activists and government critics, following a harsh clampdown on dissent during October’s presidential election. Rights organisations claim hundreds of people were killed and thousands detained.
“Those demonstrations are not authorised and are unlawful… that is no protest, it is a coup attempt,” Home Affairs Minister George Simbachawene said during a Monday press briefing in Dar es Salaam. “Our security forces will deal with them.”
Police stated on Friday that any march would violate the law as no formal notice had been filed by organisers.In a video posted on X, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba encouraged citizens to remain indoors, though he did not mention the protests directly.
“The government advises all citizens who do not have emergencies on December 9 to take the day to rest and celebrate at home, except for those required to work,” he said.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of at least 10 activists and opposition figures over online posts related to the planned demonstrations.Witnesses reported heavy police and military presence across major roads in Dar es Salaam and the northern city of Arusha throughout Monday.
The United Nations has urged the government to allow peaceful protest and cautioned against excessive use of force.
