Tanzania has deployed military personnel and heavily armed police across Dar es Salaam and other major cities ahead of planned nationwide protests scheduled for July 7, as tensions rise over the aftermath of last year’s disputed general election.
The heightened security follows the government’s decision last week to ban all political rallies, citing security concerns. Authorities, however, did not indicate how long the restriction would remain in force.
The planned demonstrations, largely driven by youth groups, aim to demand democratic reforms and justice for victims of the violence that erupted after the 2025 elections. Protesters have accused the government of suppressing political opposition and failing to hold those responsible for the deadly crackdown accountable.
A government-appointed commission reported that at least 518 people were killed during the post-election unrest. However, opposition parties and religious organisations dispute the figure, alleging that security forces were responsible for the deaths of thousands of people.
The unrest was triggered after several prominent opposition candidates were barred from contesting the election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with nearly 98 per cent of the votes.
President Hassan has maintained that the violence was part of an attempt to overthrow her administration, while government officials have consistently rejected accusations by human rights organisations that security forces used excessive force against demonstrators.
The July 7 protests are expected to coincide with the government-organised Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, raising concerns over security and the potential for renewed clashes between protesters and security agencies.
