Tanzania is preparing for a nationwide protest on 9 December 2025, its Independence Day, following the violence during the 29 October general elections.
The demonstrations come after a period of unrest, during which hundreds were reportedly killed and over 2,000 people detained by security forces. The UN has issued demands to the Suluhu-led government ahead of the planned protest.
Police Ban Protest in Tanzania
On 3 December 2025, the Tanzania Police Force issued a nationwide ban on all Independence Day protests, declaring them illegal.
“There is ongoing crime being planned and incited on social networks and in some people’s groups, where they are encouraging what they call peaceful and unlimited demonstrations starting December 9, 2025,” read the statement.
Also Read: Suluhu Taken to ICC Over Post-Election Violence in Tanzania
On 5th December 2025, the police, in a statement, again emphasized that any planned gatherings would not be permitted.
The laws of the country, including the Police and Auxiliary Police Act Chapter 322 as amended in 2023 section 43 (1) provides instructions and legal conditions that, Any person who plans to do, collect, create or organize a public gathering or demonstration, is required to submit in writing a notice about the gathering or demonstration to the Supervising Police Officer of that area specifying:
(a) The place where the demonstration will take place.
(b) The time it will take place.
(c) The objectives of those demonstrations; and
(d) Other details as the Minister may announce by notice, from time to time in the government gazette.” Read the statement.
The police later clarified that by December 5, 2025, no letter had been submitted on the planned protest, so they banned the protest.
And because no letter has been delivered to or received by any District Police Commander’s Office here in the country to give notice of the holding of these demonstrations until today, the Police Force prohibits these demonstrations, named endless peaceful demonstrations, from taking place.
The Police Force calls on all Tanzanians, when they see anything unusual or with signs of criminality or endangering the peace and security of our country, not to hesitate to report it via phone numbers.” Read the statement.
Also Read: Tanzania Placed Under Probation as Commonwealth Sets New Conditions for Suluhu
UN Reaction to the Protest Ban
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Seif Magango, has emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms, including expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Magango has issued requests to the police ahead of the planned protest to protect peaceful protestors.
“We remind security forces that they must refrain from using force to disperse non-violent assemblies and make every effort to de-escalate tensions. We recall the requirements of international law again in this area — if unavoidable, any use of force, including less lethal weapons, must be restricted to the minimum extent necessary,” stated Magango.
The UN has also issued demands, including the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained, and a government investigation into the post-election violence must fully adhere to international standards of independence.
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