Tanzanian authorities have launched a crackdown on a planned opposition rally, raising concerns about political freedom and civil rights in the country. Get the latest updates on the situation.
Authorities have taken decisive action against a scheduled protest organized by Tanzania’s primary opposition party, Chadema, aimed at opposing the government.
On Monday, the party announced that its leaders were apprehended. Additional arrests occurred in the Magomeni district of the capital, Dar-es-Salaam, where demonstrators were assembling to voice their concerns regarding alleged killings and abductions of individuals critical of the government.
This crackdown has heightened concerns regarding the potential for increased political repression in the East African nation, particularly in light of the forthcoming local elections and the national elections scheduled for next year.
Footage shared on X by Chadema depicted the arrest of the party chairman, Freeman Mbowe, as he arrived to spearhead what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration.
Another post illustrated police presence outside the residence of deputy chairman Tundu Lissu prior to his detention.
Prior to these arrests, law enforcement was observed surrounding the homes of both leaders.
Lissu, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in 2016 after being shot 16 times, previously reported on social media that three police vehicles filled with officers in riot gear were stationed outside his home.
READ ALSO: US Supports Two Permanent Seats for African Nations on UN Security Council
“They’ve informed me I’m directed to be taken to the Regional Crimes Officer. I’m getting ready to go,” he stated.
Over the weekend, Dar-es-Salaam’s police chief, Jumanne Muliro, had cautioned that the proposed rally would disrupt public order and that his officers would implement stringent measures to prevent it.
Riot police equipped with water cannons have been deployed throughout critical areas of the city since Saturday.
Chadema has charged the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan with reverting Tanzania to the oppressive measures reminiscent of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Hassan assumed office in March 2021 following the unexpected passing of Magufuli and initially seemed to indicate a shift towards a more open democratic environment, lifting restrictions on opposition gatherings and media activities.
However, Chadema now claims that security forces are implicated in the disappearances of several party members and the murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a prominent party official who, according to authorities, was subjected to acid and brutally beaten to death last month.
In a speech broadcast on X on Sunday, Mbowe affirmed that the upcoming protest would be conducted peacefully.
“We are not armed nor do we intend to disrupt the peace as some have suggested,” he stated. “We have observed the presence of armed police in the city, but we are prepared to confront them.”
During Chadema’s previous attempt to hold a rally in August, police apprehended hundreds of individuals.
Human rights organizations and Western governments, including the United States, have condemned these crackdowns as “antidemocratic.”
