Tanzania has cancelled next month's independence day celebrations, a decision announced by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who stated that the funds will be redirected towards rebuilding infrastructure damaged during unrest following the elections.
This announcement comes amid calls from the opposition and various groups for peaceful gatherings on the independence day—December 9—to protest the reported killings and injustices stemming from last month’s disputed elections.
While the opposition claims that hundreds were killed in a government crackdown on protests, the government has yet to confirm any death toll and has initiated a commission of inquiry to investigate the events.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 98% of the vote in the elections, although this result has been decried by the opposition as a mockery of democracy as key rivals were unable to contest. Tundu Lissu remains in detention facing treason charges, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was disqualified on technical grounds.
Reports from election observers have indicated signs of manipulation in the electoral process, with restrictions including a five-day internet blackout imposed on the day of the elections. The government further threatened individuals posting images from protests.
In light of the situation, gruesome images and videos depicting violence have circulated widely online. The government, however, claims these portrayals are aimed at tarnishing Tanzania's image, maintaining that the country is safe.
Following the protests, at least 240 individuals were charged with treason, though many have since been released after the President called for leniency from prosecutors.
As the cancellation of celebrations was announced, Nchemba urged citizens to avoid violence and emphasized the need for political dialogue moving forward. He stated, I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us. Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable.
President Samia came into office in 2021, becoming Tanzania's first female president after the passing of John Magufuli. Initially praised for reducing political repression, her administration has faced growing criticism for closing off political space.
