Tanzania’s 64th Independence Day on December 9, 2025, passed quietly under a blanket ban on demonstrations, as the government sought to suppress unrest following the disputed October elections.
What should have been a day of parades and national pride instead unfolded under heavy security, with official celebrations canceled and citizens urged to remain indoors.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was declared the winner of the October 29 vote with nearly 98 percent of the ballots, faced widespread opposition claims of irregularities. Rights groups report that hundreds of people were killed and more than 2,000 arrested in clashes during the post-election crackdown.
Authorities defended the ban, labeling the planned protests unlawful, and redirected funds from Independence Day festivities toward repairing infrastructure damaged in the unrest.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the cancellation of national events, urging citizens to celebrate at home. Security forces maintained a strong presence in major cities, ensuring that the day remained calm, though unverified reports suggested small gatherings in some areas. Activists continued to call for democracy and accountability, while officials emphasized peace and stability.
International observers, including the African Union and SADC, withheld endorsement of the election results, citing concerns over fairness and transparency.
Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have condemned the crackdown, urging the government to respect freedoms of expression and assembly.
For many Tanzanians, Independence Day was overshadowed by grief and tension. Instead of celebrating six decades of sovereignty, the nation reflected on the cost of political turmoil and the uncertain path ahead.
By Michelle Ndaga
