Tanzanian police have banned all protests on December 9, the country’s Independence Day, a move rights groups say restricts civil liberties and heightens the risk of renewed violence after last October’s deadly post-election unrest.
Police said the ban was imposed because organizers were “inciting the seizure of public property, disrupting services, and paralyzing the economy.”
The country witnessed widespread demonstrations after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election in October, with the opposition and international actors accusing authorities of killing hundreds and detaining thousands during the turmoil.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the United States announced a comprehensive review of its relations with Tanzania, voicing concern over restrictions on free expression, barriers to investment, and violence against civilians.
The UN Human Rights Office also urged Tanzanian authorities to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and called on security forces to exercise restraint and help de-escalate tensions.
