Tanzania police force bans opposition protest against killings and abductions

MOSHI, Tanzania

The Tanzania Police Force have banned the planned mega protest by the country’s main opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) against killings and abductions of its members slated for Dar es Salaam city on September 23.

The police spokesperson, David Misime made the ban on Friday, September 13, during a press conference held at the police training college in the northern town of Moshi.

He said Chadema’s leadership, including its national leader, Freeman Mbowe, was quoted on September 11, encouraging Dar es Salaam residents, party cadres, members, and supporters to take to the streets on September 23, 2024.

During a press conference at the party headquarters, Chadema Chairperson said the planned protests aimed at pressuring the government to provide detailed information about their members and other members of public who have reportedly gone missing.

The planned demonstration follows the disappearance and the killing of the opposition party’s member of the secretariat, Alli Mohamed Kibao, whose body was later found in the Ununio area of Dar es Salaam.

During the press, Mbowe said by September 21, concrete government actions should be visible, otherwise, the protest will proceed as planned.

"Starting Monday, September 23, 2024, the entire city of Dar es Salaam will witness our protest demanding justice for our missing people,” he said.

“We want the government to take immediate and decisive actions to return our people; if not, those responsible should resign and be held accountable," he insisted.

The police spokesperson said the law enforcement’s decision aimed to maintain the ongoing investigation following directives given by President Samia Hassan and share final reports.

"It should be remembered that several times, Chadema leaders and supporters have been planning, coordinating strategies, and issuing statements aimed at causing inconveniences and fears of peace disruptions in the country,” he said.

"In this regard, the demonstrations have been banned. The police prohibit anyone invited or instructed to come to Dar es Salaam from any region for these demonstrations,” he said.

“They should not attempt to do so as the demonstrations are illegal and will not occur, so they should not waste their time and resources," emphasized the policeman.

Under Article 20(1) of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, every person has a freedom to freely and peaceably assemble.

Since 2016, opposition gatherings faced violent disruptions by the police, and their leaders were often arrested. Notably, top Chadema figures, Mbowe and deputy Tundu Lissu, were subjected to attacks by unknown assailants, with both asserting that the assaults were politically motivated.