The Tanzanian government has banned nationwide protests that had been planned for December 9, 2025, with police declaring the demonstrations illegal due to the lack of required authorisation.
The protests were scheduled to coincide with Tanzania’s Independence Day, whose official celebrations were also cancelled this year.
Police spokesperson David Misime said no group had formally notified authorities of plans to hold demonstrations, as required by Tanzanian law. He added that any attempt to stage the so-called “unlimited peaceful protests” would be treated as unlawful.
The police further accused organisers of inciting the public to seize property, disrupt essential services, and occupy streets indefinitely with the intention of paralysing economic activity.
The directive comes amid heightened tension in the country, following widespread unrest triggered by the October election and the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Authorities have since intensified security operations, issued public warnings, and cautioned that anyone found mobilising or participating in the planned protests risks arrest.
