Tanzania Arrests Dozens Ahead of Planned Anti-Government Protests

Tanzanian authorities have arrested dozens of people ahead of planned anti-government protests, intensifying a nationwide crackdown on dissent as activists prepare to demonstrate for democratic reforms and the release of jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The protests, scheduled for Tuesday, coincide with the 72nd anniversary of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Organisers, many of them young activists, say the demonstrations are intended to call for greater political freedoms, electoral reforms, and the release of Lissu, whose arrest has become a rallying point for opposition supporters.

In the days leading up to the planned demonstrations, security forces have stepped up operations across the country, particularly in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. Police officers and soldiers have been deployed along major roads, public spaces, and strategic locations, creating a heavy security presence. Although the government has not officially confirmed that the deployments are directly linked to the protests, critics believe they are aimed at discouraging public demonstrations.

Military officials have also issued stern warnings against any attempts to protest. Speaking on Sunday, army spokesperson Sylvester Mangure said the armed forces would not tolerate demonstrations following the government’s ban on political rallies. He accused unnamed individuals of misleading young people by claiming the military supported the planned protests, insisting that such claims were false.

Mangure urged members of the public to report anyone involved in organising or encouraging demonstrations, warning that authorities would take firm action against anyone accused of disrupting public order.

Police spokesperson David Misime also confirmed that law enforcement agencies had intensified operations against individuals allegedly using social media platforms to mobilise people for what authorities have described as illegal protests. The arrests carried out ahead of Tuesday’s demonstrations reflect the government’s determination to prevent the gatherings from taking place.

At the centre of the growing political tensions is opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who remains in custody after being charged with treason. Lissu was arrested after publicly calling for electoral reforms ahead of last year’s general election, arguing that changes were necessary to ensure a fair and transparent voting process.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the disputed October election with 97 percent of the vote after a widespread opposition boycott. Tanzania’s two main opposition parties, Chadema and ACT Wazalendo, did not field presidential candidates, raising further questions about the competitiveness of the election.

The aftermath of the election was marked by days of violence across parts of the country. A government-appointed committee reported that more than 500 people were killed during the unrest. However, opposition groups and several human rights organisations have challenged those figures, claiming the true death toll was significantly higher.

As the anniversary of the ruling party approaches, political tensions remain high, with authorities insisting they are acting to preserve peace and stability. Meanwhile, opposition supporters continue to demand greater democratic freedoms, political accountability, and the release of Tundu Lissu.

With security tightened and dozens already detained, attention is now focused on whether the planned demonstrations will proceed and how authorities will respond if protesters take to the streets.