The Tanzanian Police Force has issued a stern warning against demonstrations planned for December 9, 2025—a day that marks the nation’s Independence Day. Authorities have labeled the calls for protests a “major crime” that threatens national stability.
The police statement, delivered by Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime in Dodoma on December 3, 2025, stressed that any such actions pose a grave risk to the country.
“This is a major crime that continues to be encouraged,” DCP Misime said in Dodoma yesterday, December 3, 2025. “Such a situation for any country in the world is a great threat to people’s lives, the country’s economy, and all social issues.”
Echoes October 29 events
The planned protests are reportedly being mobilised by activists, some opposition leaders, and members of the youth, often referred to as Gen Z. The police explicitly linked the potential unrest to a previous, tragic incident that resulted in civilian deaths.
DCP Misime urged citizens to reject the incitement, stressing that the goal of the organisers is to “bring us back to the pain and harm we experienced on October 29, 2025, and the days that followed.” The October 29 event was a series of demonstrations by Gen Z protesting the current government during the election period, which tragically resulted in the killings of civilians.
The Police Spokesperson stressed that the nation is still in need of recovery and reconciliation following the election-day violence. “Our nation needs healing as the efforts of our national leaders continue to be made right now, and we do not need violence again,” he added.
Misime has claimed to have identified the methods that those encouraging the demonstrations plan to use on December 9. While the police have not disclosed the specific methods, they stated that discussions about these tactics are happening on social media and online clubs.
More Read
The police fiercely condemned these online discussions, asserting that using platforms like social media to debate mobilisation methods is a crime. They affirmed that they would not tolerate any acts intended to disrupt the peace or incite violence.
Call for public safety during festive season
Amid the warnings about the planned protests, the Police Force used the statement to urge the public to prioritise safety as they prepare for the end-of-year and New Year celebrations. This period typically sees increased travel and public activity.
“Furthermore, this month of December we are heading towards the preparations for the end-of-year and beginning-of-year celebrations,” DCP Misime noted. He called on citizens to ensure their plans adhere to the safety of their lives and property.
For those traveling, the police advised them to leave caretakers at their homes and strictly adhere to all road safety laws and traffic signs to prevent accidents, assuring “all peace-loving citizens” that the Police Force will continue its vigilance, collaborating with other security organs to protect lives, property, and the nation’s interests.
The warning paints a critical tension between the right to demonstrate and the government’s stated commitment to maintain stability following the deadly October 29 events.
With the organisers still planning for the Independence Day demonstrations and the police issuing a categorical ban, the days leading up to December 9 remain fraught with uncertainty about the immediate future of public life in Tanzania.
