Tanzania Advises Citizens to Stay Home on Independence Day as Authorities Move to Prevent Unauthorised Protests
The police spokesperson said that some of the tactics associated with the planned protests were unlawful, further constraining the possibility of approval.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The government of Tanzania urged citizens to mark this year’s Independence Day from their homes, asking only essential service providers to report to their workstations on December 9. The advisory was issued on Monday by Government Spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu, who relayed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s message of goodwill to the nation as it prepares to mark the historic occasion.
Zungu called on all those Tanzanians who have no urgent commitments or emergencies to take a rest and quietly celebrate at home. He reminded the public that though the day is still important, the government expects them to abide by the directive and minimize movement, except for the workers whose duties dictate they have to be on duty.
“The government urges all citizens who do not have emergencies to spend the day resting. They must celebrate at home, except those whose job responsibilities require them to be at their workplaces as instructed,” said Zungu during the briefing.
This Independence Day has received wider attention following calls for nationwide protests that have been circulating on social media. These planned protests, reportedly organized by citizens unhappy with some policies of the government, prompted warnings from security agencies ahead of the holiday.
In a statement on Friday, police spokesperson David Misime said in Swahili that any demonstrations on Independence Day would be illegal. He explained that police had come across some mobilization on social media but no individual or group had submitted the necessary notice as required by law for public gatherings.
Tanzanian law requires that organisers of rallies or protests give formal notice to authorities, who then determine whether the events comply with various legal and safety requirements. Misime said the proposed Independence Day demonstrations did not meet those requirements.
The police spokesperson said that some of the tactics associated with the planned protests were unlawful, further constraining the possibility of approval.
“Due to the illegal practices that have arisen, the announced demonstration no longer meets the legal requirements for authorization,” the message said. “Therefore, the Police Force hereby prohibits, from this day on, any peaceful and indefinite demonstrations as referred to.”
The authorities have underscored the need to ensure public order during the national holiday. Now that the warning has been issued, security agencies are likely to be on high alert to forestall any gathering that may run counter to the ban. With Independence Day just around the corner, the government is still promoting peaceful, private celebrations by encouraging people to honor the day safely at home, while necessary services continue.
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