The streets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, were nearly empty on Tuesday. Police and soldiers patrolled the city to prevent anti-government protests, turning the usual Independence Day celebrations into a day of caution and fear.
Post-Election Violence Sparks Tension
Tanzania held presidential and parliamentary elections on October 29, 2025. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was reelected, but the vote was controversial. Key opposition candidates were barred from running, sparking accusations of election rigging.
Since then, political violence has escalated. Human rights experts from the United Nations estimate at least 700 people were killed after the elections. Opposition leaders claim over 1,000 people died in a “shoot-to-kill” campaign targeting dissenters.
Hundreds of people have been arrested and charged with treason, which carries the death penalty in Tanzania.
Independence Day Celebrations Banned
This year, public Independence Day celebrations were banned. Authorities said gatherings could lead to protests. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba asked citizens to stay home and “use the day for rest.”
As a result, city streets were deserted, shops remained closed, and neighborhoods were unusually quiet. The mood contrasted sharply with the lively celebrations usually associated with the day.
Heavy Police Presence in Dar es Salaam
Security forces conducted strict ID checks throughout the city. Officers patrolled major streets and monitored public spaces closely.
A reporter from AFP said he was stopped and searched seven times in just over 30 minutes while walking through central Dar es Salaam. The heightened security reflected continued government efforts to prevent public dissent.
Similar measures were seen in Zanzibar after the October 30 elections, showing a nationwide pattern of tight security.
Impact on Daily Life
For ordinary Tanzanians, daily life was disrupted. Markets were closed, families stayed home, and public celebrations did not take place. Citizens expressed frustration at being unable to celebrate a national holiday. Many reported feeling unsafe in urban centers, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Tanzania faces growing political uncertainty. The disputed elections, allegations of human rights abuses, and restricted civil liberties have raised serious concerns.
Independence Day, a time for national pride, was instead a reminder of political tension and fear. Citizens now face the challenge of navigating restrictions while voicing concerns, with the coming months critical to the country’s future stability.
International Reaction
Global human rights organizations have condemned the post-election crackdown. The United Nations continues to monitor developments, urging investigations into killings and disappearances.
Tanzanian authorities defend the security measures as necessary to maintain peace. They describe the restrictions as temporary and intended to prevent unrest.