Tanzania Deploys Security Forces Amid Independence Day Protests. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — December 9, 2025 Lead Paragraph: Tanzania is deploying police and military personnel across major cities in anticipation of planned protests marking the country’s Independence Day.
The move follows a violent crackdown on demonstrations in October, which led to hundreds of deaths and thousands of detentions.
In the lead — up to the national holiday commemorating Tanzania’s independence from Britain in 1961, the government has taken a tough stance against any form of dissent.
In a communiqué, officials warned that planned protests would be treated as coup attempts.
The streets of Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha were largely deserted early Tuesday as police trucks and officers on foot patrolled the areas.
Roadblocks were established near key government installations, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s offices in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. Human Rights Watch has criticized the government’s actions, stating that at least 10 people have been arrested since mid-November for social media posts about the planned protests.
Oryem Nyeko, a senior researcher in the organization’s Africa Division, said the government’s stance is “very problematic “as it limits the right to free expression.
Amnesty International has also called on the Tanzanian authorities to respect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
The government, however, has cancelled Independence Day celebrations, reallocating the funds to repair damaged infrastructure from the recent violence.
The situation remains tense as the government continues to crack down on dissent.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
