Tanzania government bans political rallies as main opposition party drew massive crowds across the country

DODOMA, Tanzania 

The Tanzanian government has announced a temporary suspension of all political party rallies in the country, regardless of the party, stating that the move is aimed at enhancing public security during this period when there have been reports of demonstrations and criminal acts.

Speaking in parliament in Dodoma today, Friday, June 26, 2026, the country’s interior minister, Patrobas Katambi, said he had directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, not to issue permits for political rallies until the government issues further instructions.

Katambi said the decision was reached after the government determined that some political tensions had contributed to the situation, amid reports of calls for protests towards the climax of the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DIFF).

"This measure aims to ensure that citizens continue with their economic activities in an environment of peace and tranquility, while state agencies work to identify criminals without the challenges that can be caused by large gatherings of people," said Minister Katambi.

However, opposition politicians have criticized the measure.

Veteran politician, Joseph Selasini from Chadema wrote on his Twitter account: "It is a great shame for a party that claims to be old and has veteran politicians to fail to answer questions. We know that what will come next is to arrest and question leaders," says Selasini without specifying who the leaders are and why they were arrested.

The ACT Wazalendo party has also strongly opposed the order to ban public meetings of political parties, saying it is an illegal directive that violates Article 20 (i) of the Constitution and the Political Parties Act, which provides for the freedom of political parties with permanent registration to hold political meetings.

The minister also directed the Police Force to continue monitoring all suspicious areas and take legal action, including temporarily closing them if they are found to be used for activities that threaten security.

The announcement comes almost three years since January 2023, when President Samia Hassan reopened political party meetings that had been banned for more than six years during the administration of the late John Magufuli.

At the time, opposition party leaders received the decision with caution, expressing fears that the ban could be reinstated at any time.

Currently, the government explains that the decision to suspend political meetings is due to security reasons and efforts to prevent possible criminal acts.

One of CHADEMA's rallies led by Vice Chairman, John Heche

In recent days, the country's main opposition political party, CHADEMA, has been holding very successful rallies across the country.

The rallies, led by the party's Vice Chairman, John Heche, have had two agendas, one demanding the writing of a new Constitution and the other calling for the release of the CHADEMA Chairman who is facing a treason case.

Meanwhile, there have been calls on social media for protests to be held on July 7, 2026.

On October 29, 2025, Tanzania witnessed protests accompanied by violence and riots in various areas, where over 518 people were killed and thousands more injured, an event that left a significant impact on security and socio-economic activities in the country.