š Share this article Tanzania Crackdown on Scheduled Protest Results in Streets Deserted. With many staying at home the atmosphere is quiet but tense. Security has been tightened throughout the country with officers and soldiers observed on patrol in key urban areas in anticipation of expected demonstrations against the government scheduled for the nation's independence anniversary. By midday, however, no demonstrations had begun. Residents in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over if the demonstrations would proceed. The demonstrations were called to call for political reforms in the wake of October's post-election unrest which resulted in an unconfirmed death toll. Authorities Admit Use of Force Officials have conceded employing force against demonstrators, claiming that some groups were attempting to overthrow the regime. On Tuesday, reporters observed streets that were largely deserted in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This was a stark contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle. The quiet was undercut by a persistent sense of tension. Increased Police Presence Nationwide Armored vehicles were spotted cruising along major roads and intersections, while officers took up positions at strategic locations, including around key public infrastructure. On social media, activists and campaigners urged followers to remain vigilant, implying that any protest activity would likely commence later in the day. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day. Drivers who went out experienced regular stops at security checkpoints, where officers questioned drivers about where they were headed. Government Stance and Prohibitions Authorities have not provided detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations. Tanzanian authorities have banned the intended demonstrations and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors. "An eerie quiet masks the underlying tension felt by those indoors." The day's events depicted a nation on edge, where the potential for demonstration led to a security clampdown in advance that left conspicuously quiet normally bustling cities.
With many staying at home the atmosphere is quiet but tense. Security has been tightened throughout the country with officers and soldiers observed on patrol in key urban areas in anticipation of expected demonstrations against the government scheduled for the nation's independence anniversary. By midday, however, no demonstrations had begun. Residents in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over if the demonstrations would proceed. The demonstrations were called to call for political reforms in the wake of October's post-election unrest which resulted in an unconfirmed death toll. Authorities Admit Use of Force Officials have conceded employing force against demonstrators, claiming that some groups were attempting to overthrow the regime. On Tuesday, reporters observed streets that were largely deserted in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This was a stark contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle. The quiet was undercut by a persistent sense of tension. Increased Police Presence Nationwide Armored vehicles were spotted cruising along major roads and intersections, while officers took up positions at strategic locations, including around key public infrastructure. On social media, activists and campaigners urged followers to remain vigilant, implying that any protest activity would likely commence later in the day. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day. Drivers who went out experienced regular stops at security checkpoints, where officers questioned drivers about where they were headed. Government Stance and Prohibitions Authorities have not provided detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations. Tanzanian authorities have banned the intended demonstrations and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors. "An eerie quiet masks the underlying tension felt by those indoors." The day's events depicted a nation on edge, where the potential for demonstration led to a security clampdown in advance that left conspicuously quiet normally bustling cities.