DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzanian authorities have rounded up dozens of individuals in the days leading up to planned anti-government demonstrations, escalating a broader crackdown targeting calls for democratic reform and the freedom of a prominent opposition figure.
On Sunday, army spokesperson Sylvester Mangure issued a warning to the public against taking part in any demonstrations, following a government-imposed ban on political rallies announced the previous week. Mangure also accused unidentified individuals of “recruiting youth” to join the protests, while claiming those individuals had falsely suggested the military supported the planned demonstrations.
Young activists have called for protests on Tuesday, a date that coincides with the 72nd anniversary of the ruling party’s founding. Their demands include democratic changes and the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges after he publicly pushed for electoral reforms ahead of last year’s general election.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the disputed October election with 97% of the vote, even as the two main opposition parties — Chadema, which Lissu leads, and ACT Wazalendo — boycotted the contest. A government-appointed committee found that more than 500 people died during three days of violent unrest that followed the election. Human rights organizations and opposition figures contend the actual death toll was considerably higher.
Mangure urged citizens on Sunday to report anyone they suspected of organizing or recruiting for the protests, while vowing that the military would protect the nation’s stability.
“The army encourages citizens to continue engaging in nation-building activities without fear, and it will not hesitate to take action against those disrupting peace as provided for under the constitution,” he stated.
Security forces have significantly increased their presence throughout Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub, with soldiers and police officers deployed along major roads and in public areas. Critics argue the show of force is designed to discourage would-be protesters, though authorities have stopped short of officially linking the heightened security to Tuesday’s planned demonstrations.
Tuesday also marks the opening of the city’s 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, known locally as SabaSaba, one of the nation’s largest annual commercial gatherings.
Police spokesperson David Misime said on Saturday that law enforcement had stepped up operations and moved against groups allegedly working to mobilize participants for what officials are calling illegal demonstrations.
“Strong action will be taken against anyone who participates in the unlawful riots being mobilized through social media,” Misime warned.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba revealed last week that arrests had already been made in connection with efforts to recruit young people for Tuesday’s protests, though he declined to provide a specific number of those detained.
