A new directive from the Tanzanian government has asked citizens to spend this year’s Independence Day at home, with only essential workers expected to report to duty, as officials move to contain growing online calls for demonstrations on December 9.
Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu, speaking on Monday, said the instruction is meant to allow the country to mark the day while maintaining public order.
He also delivered President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s message wishing Tanzanians a peaceful celebration and encouraged those without urgent duties to remain indoors.
“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 require them to be at their work locations as directed,” Zungu said.
Authorities said the advisory follows social media posts mobilising protests during the national holiday.
On Friday, police spokesperson David Misime warned that the planned demonstrations would not be allowed, noting that none of the organisers had followed legal procedures.
“No identifiable person has so far submitted a formal notification for the planned demonstrations,” Misime said.
He explained that due to “unlawful tactics that have surfaced,” the protest “no longer meets the legal requirements to be authorised,” declaring a total ban on the planned gathering.
Human Rights Watch has criticised the recent arrests of activists and opposition supporters, calling for the release of all those detained over protest-related messages.
“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,” said Senior Africa Researcher at Human Rights Watch, Oryem Nyeko.
Detentions have risen in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Since mid-November, at least ten activists and political figures have been arrested over online posts linked to the proposed demonstrations.
Those detained include Ambrose Leonce Dede of Chadema, arrested in Ikungi District on November 13; union administrator Kibaba Furaha Michael, picked up in Geita on November 19; and teacher Clemence Mwandambo, arrested in Mbeya on November 21, accused of sharing “provocative” posts.
Winfrida Charles Malembeka was arrested on November 28 for allegedly posting “inflammatory information” online.
Several Chadema officials — Victoria Swebe, Shabani Mabala and Lucy Shayo — have also been detained without clear charges.
Human Rights Watch says digital harassment and surveillance have increased, citing police raids on the Legal and Human Rights Centre in Dar es Salaam on November 12 and tighter control of online content following requests from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority.
