Tension Rises in Tanzania as Protest Fears Grow

By Robai Ludenyi,

Heavy police deployment and widespread fear have overshadowed calls for anti-government protests in Tanzania on Tuesday, with many citizens choosing to stay away because of threats from authorities and painful memories of the deadly violence that followed last October’s election.

Across the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, riot police armed with weapons have been stationed in different parts of the city ahead of July 7, a day traditionally marked in celebration of the creation of the African Union of Tanganyika, the political movement that led the country to independence in 1964.

The large deployment comes just weeks after the government banned all political gatherings and repeatedly warned against demonstrations. Authorities have also labelled those planning to protest as criminals. The warning has revived painful memories of the violence that followed the October 2025 general election. Protests erupted after opposition candidates were barred from contesting and reports of abductions and killings targeting government critics increased.

Human rights organisations and opposition leaders claim that thousands of people lost their lives during the post-election unrest. However, the Tanzanian government has maintained that 518 people died, although it has not explained who was responsible for the killings.

Despite renewed calls by activists and opposition groups demanding justice for victims and the introduction of a new constitution, many Tanzanians believe large-scale demonstrations are unlikely to take place. The visible police presence across Dar es Salaam has convinced many residents that any attempt to protest would be quickly stopped.

When President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office following the sudden death of former President John Magufuli in 2021, many Tanzanians hoped she would open up democratic space by lifting restrictions on opposition politics and the media. She initially removed several bans imposed during Magufuli’s rule, creating expectations of greater political freedom.

Opposition leaders have also expressed concern over the current political climate. ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu says the government’s decision to ban political rallies is unconstitutional and comes at a time when the country should instead be focusing on healing and national unity.

John Heche, the deputy leader of the Chadema party, says opposition officials are constantly being monitored by plainclothes security officers who follow them wherever they go.

Chadema has long accused the government of using force against its members. Party leader Tundu Lissu has remained in prison since April 2025 after being charged with treason, an offence that carries the death penalty in Tanzania.

Several other opposition figures and government critics have also reportedly been abducted, assaulted or disappeared, including a former ambassador who publicly criticised President Hassan.

Opposition leaders say the government had promised to release a transparent report into the deadly October election violence and explain how justice and accountability would be achieved. Months later, they say no report has been published and no meaningful action has been taken, leaving victims’ families still searching for answers.

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