Tanzania Cancels Independence Day Celebrations Amid Protests and International Scrutiny. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — December 9, 2025 The Tanzanian government has cancelled the Independence Day events scheduled for today, as opposition groups called for a day of peaceful protests.
The streets of Dar es Salaam and other cities remain largely silent, with all official events being cancelled following the opposition’s call to action.
The government has warned that any demonstration will be considered an attempted coup. This comes in the wake of October’s disputed election, where incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was re-elected with 98 percent of the vote.
The opposition has alleged that the election was marred by irregularities and has called for a recount.
Many Tanzanians are also upset about the police crackdown that followed the election, in which hundreds were killed, according to the opposition.
The United States announced last week that it is “reconsidering its relationship “with Tanzania, signaling international concern over the situation. Palamagamba Kabudi, Tanzania’s minister of information, culture, arts and sports, has not yet commented on the cancellation of the Independence Day events.
However, the government has declared the planned protests illegal, raising tensions further. Dorothy Semu, leader of the ACT Wazelenko opposition party, called for peaceful protests, stating, “The people of Tanzania are fed up with the current situation. We demand transparency and accountability from our leaders.”.
Oryem Nyoko, a senior researcher in the Africa division of Human Rights Watch, expressed concern over the government’s response to the protests. Officials commented on the matter. “
The government must respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression.”.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how international pressure will impact the ongoing political tensions in Tanzania. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
