Tanzania is bracing for possible nationwide demonstrations on December 9, 2025, the country’s Independence Day, following deadly violence linked to the October 29 general elections. The planned protests come amid reports that hundreds of people were killed and more than 2,000 others arrested during the post-election crackdown, prompting the United Nations to issue fresh demands to President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
Police Move to Block Demonstrations
On December 3, the Tanzania Police Force announced a countrywide ban on all planned Independence Day protests, declaring the action illegal. In its statement, the police claimed there was evidence of criminal activity being organised through social media platforms and private groups, where calls for what were described as “peaceful and unlimited demonstrations” were circulating.
The ban was reinforced on December 5, when the police reiterated that no public gatherings linked to the planned protests would be allowed.
Citing Section 43(1) of the Police and Auxiliary Police Act, as amended in 2023, the police stressed that organisers of any demonstration are legally required to submit a formal written notice to the supervising police officer in their area. The notice must specify the venue, timing, objectives of the demonstration, and any other particulars prescribed by the minister through a government gazette notice.
The police further stated that, as of December 5, no such notification had been received by any District Police Commander, effectively making the planned protests unlawful. As a result, all Independence Day demonstrations were officially prohibited.
The force also urged citizens to report any suspicious activity that could threaten public order or national security.
United Nations Pushback
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, through spokesperson Seif Magango, has pushed back strongly against the protest ban, stressing the need to uphold basic freedoms such as expression, peaceful assembly and association.
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Magango reminded Tanzanian security agencies that they are obligated under international law to protect non-violent demonstrators and avoid the use of force wherever possible.
Security forces, he said, must prioritise de-escalation and only resort to force as a last measure, and even then, strictly within the minimum limits permitted under international standards.
Beyond the protest itself, the UN is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals who were arbitrarily detained following the elections. It has also called for an independent, credible and internationally compliant investigation into the post-election violence.
As December 9 approaches, Tanzania now stands at a delicate crossroads between rising public dissent, a hardening security stance, and growing international scrutiny.
