Tanzania directs citizens to mark independence day from home amid protest fears
Tanzania directs citizens to mark independence day from home amid protest fears
Tanzanians have been directed to observe Independence Day from home, with only essential workers expected at their workplaces, as authorities move to prevent planned demonstrations on December 9, 2025.
In a press address on Monday, Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu said the directive is aimed at balancing national celebration with public order.
Zungu relayed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s greetings for a happy Independence Day on December 9, 2025, and encouraged citizens without urgent responsibilities to rest and celebrate at home.
“The government urges all citizens who have no emergency to spend the day resting. They should celebrate the day at home, apart from those whose work responsibilities need them to be at their work locations as directed,” Zungu said.
Authorities have cited social media calls for protests as a source of concern. Police spokesperson David Misime warned in a statement on Friday that demonstrations during the Independence Day celebrations would be illegal.
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“No identifiable person has so far submitted a formal notification for the planned demonstrations,” Misime said.
He added that due to “unlawful tactics that have surfaced,” the proposed rally “no longer meets the legal requirements to be authorised” and announced a ban on the planned protests.
Human Rights Watch have condemned the wrongful arrests of protest organisers and opposition supporters, urging the government to release all those arbitrarily detained.
“The Tanzanian government is building on the alarming climate of fear that prevailed before the elections to deter further protests. The authorities should end their crackdown and respect the right of Tanzanians to peacefully express their views,” Senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch Oryem Nyeko said.
Since mid-November, at least ten activists and opposition figures have been detained for online posts related to the planned protests.
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