On December 9th, 2025, Tanzania deployed large numbers of army personnel and police across its major cities on Independence Day to prevent planned protests, which authorities judged as illegal. These measures reflect ongoing tensions following the country’s controversial October 2025 general elections, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a reported landslide victory amid the disqualification of opposition candidates.
Authorities continued to describe all actions on December 9th as unlawful, warning all citizens to remain safely at home. As a precaution, many security points were placed across urbanised areas, along with ID checks, roadblocks and patrols. On this day, many schools and businesses remained closed, resulting in many cities, such as Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and even Dodoma, having empty streets. However, though the scale could not be independently verified, it was reported that some small gatherings attempted to take place in small, isolated areas.
These measures can be seen as a part of a larger effort taken by the government to maintain the public order during the wake of post-election unrest. Sparking nationwide protests, the elections held in October had opposition groups and civil society questioning the legitimacy of the vote and alleging systematic suppression. Critics and observers reported that these protests, alongside the violent incidents, resulted in heightened fear of further unrest as well as multiple other casualties.
Tanzanian officials highlighted that these actions regarding the deployment of security forces are primarily taken to safeguard and protect lives and property and ensure public safety as well as prevent clashes. As a result of these tense political situations, all Independence Day celebrations were henceforth cancelled. Apart from those events, many misleading and unverified videos of unrest proceeded to circulate around social media.
However, though these steps were claimed to be taken as an act for the public’s interests and betterment, many international organisations and human rights groups have risen up to claim their expressed concern over the lack of the freedom of expression as well as restrictions on the public assembly.
The United Nations further urged Tanzania to loosen ties and allow peaceful protests and uphold democratic principles, warning that preventive bans and heavy-handed security could further heighten tensions. Despite the strong military and police presence, major cities remained largely peaceful. Citizens had mixed reactions, with some valuing safety and others criticising restrictions on freedoms. The December 9, 2025, events highlight the fragility of Tanzania’s political stability and challenges for governance and public trust.
