🔗 Share this article Tanzania Crackdown on Scheduled Protest Results in City Centers Deserted. The quiet streets belied a tense atmosphere as many residents stayed indoors. A significant security presence has been deployed throughout the country with police and military seen patrolling key urban areas ahead of expected anti-government protests called to coincide with independence day. Midday arrived without any sign of the planned demonstrations. People living in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over whether protests would happen. The protests were organized to call for changes to the political system in the wake of the unrest that followed last October's elections which resulted in an unconfirmed death toll. Authorities Admit Use of Force The authorities have admitted employing force against demonstrators, claiming that certain elements aimed to topple the government. Correspondents noted on Tuesday nearly empty streets in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This stood in sharp contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle. While quiet, a palpable tension filled the air. Heightened Security Across Cities Security vehicles were seen driving along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while personnel were stationed at strategic locations, including around important public buildings and facilities. Through online platforms, organizers advised supporters to stay alert, suggesting any demonstrations were unlikely to begin until the afternoon. This communication mirrored previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day. Drivers who went out experienced regular stops at security checkpoints, where police interrogated motorists about their destinations. Official Position and Bans The government has not issued detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations. Tanzanian authorities have banned the intended demonstrations and called off independence anniversary events, advising the public to remain at home. "The prevailing mood is one of quiet tension as people choose to stay home." The overall situation painted a picture of a nation on edge, where the potential for demonstration led to a security clampdown in advance that effectively emptied typically busy cities.
The quiet streets belied a tense atmosphere as many residents stayed indoors. A significant security presence has been deployed throughout the country with police and military seen patrolling key urban areas ahead of expected anti-government protests called to coincide with independence day. Midday arrived without any sign of the planned demonstrations. People living in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over whether protests would happen. The protests were organized to call for changes to the political system in the wake of the unrest that followed last October's elections which resulted in an unconfirmed death toll. Authorities Admit Use of Force The authorities have admitted employing force against demonstrators, claiming that certain elements aimed to topple the government. Correspondents noted on Tuesday nearly empty streets in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This stood in sharp contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle. While quiet, a palpable tension filled the air. Heightened Security Across Cities Security vehicles were seen driving along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while personnel were stationed at strategic locations, including around important public buildings and facilities. Through online platforms, organizers advised supporters to stay alert, suggesting any demonstrations were unlikely to begin until the afternoon. This communication mirrored previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day. Drivers who went out experienced regular stops at security checkpoints, where police interrogated motorists about their destinations. Official Position and Bans The government has not issued detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations. Tanzanian authorities have banned the intended demonstrations and called off independence anniversary events, advising the public to remain at home. "The prevailing mood is one of quiet tension as people choose to stay home." The overall situation painted a picture of a nation on edge, where the potential for demonstration led to a security clampdown in advance that effectively emptied typically busy cities.