By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Tanzanian government says all political rallies across the country are suspended until further notice, stating that the move is necessary to maintain security in the country.
It has however attracted widespread criticism from opposition groups, which say the suspension is unlawful. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo has said it will challenge the directive in court.
This action is largely seen as reversal of reforms introduced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who lifted a six-year ban on political rallies in 2023, following restrictions imposed by her predecessor, John Magufuli.
The government says the move came after it identified security threats, including individuals allegedly found in possession of weapons while planning criminal acts.
It comes amid reports of planned demonstrations calling for democratic reforms and accountability for the deadly suppression of protests after last year’s election.
Samia during the 2023 lifting of ban acknowledged that political parties had the right to hold rallies but urged them to be “civil” and not to “trade insults”.
But announcing the current suspension, Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi told parliament: “We should focus on building our economy.”
He highlighted an upcoming international trade fair that the country was hosting “where we anticipate receiving guests from various countries”.
“During this period, we will not tolerate anyone who engages in any form of disorder.”
The opposition ACT Wazalendo has accused the governing CCM party of using state institutions to suppress the opposition. CCM has not responded to the allegations or commented on the government’s move.
Veteran opposition politician Joseph Selasini, from the CHADEMA party, said the government’s move came as opposition rallies had been drawing big crowds demanding justice for those killed in last year’s post-poll violence.
During widespread protests that followed the results of the 29 October election, 518 people died from “unnatural causes”, including 197 who were shot dead, a commission of inquiry set up by President Samia to investigate the violence found.
