Tanzania’s police have officially banned planned rallies set for next week, citing concerns over public safety following a violent crackdown on protests after last month’s elections.
The October 29 polls sparked days of unrest, with opposition supporters alleging that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had rigged the vote and engaged in a campaign targeting critics. President Hassan was declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote.
Reports from opposition groups and human rights organisations indicate that over 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the post-election unrest, although the government has not released an official death toll.
Despite the crackdown, calls for renewed demonstrations on December 9 have circulated widely on social media. In response, police spokesperson David Misime issued a statement in Swahili on Friday noting that while online calls for protests had been observed, no formal notification had been submitted to authorities.
“Given the unlawful tactics that have surfaced, the proposed rally no longer meets the legal requirements to be authorised,” the statement read. “Therefore, the Police Force, as of today, bans the planned demonstrations described as peaceful and indefinite.”
Authorities further stated that the proposed rally was being organised by individuals using telephone numbers and anonymous online accounts, some of which are based outside Tanzania.
The ban comes shortly after Meta suspended the Instagram accounts of two Tanzanian activists who had posted images of the violent crackdown.
The international community has expressed concern over the ongoing unrest. The United States has announced it will be “comprehensively reviewing” its relationship with Tanzania following the post-election violence.
The announcement underscores continued tension in the country as citizens and authorities remain at odds over electoral legitimacy and public demonstrations.
