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Tanzania has cancelled its upcoming independence day celebrations, announcing that the funds will be redirected to rebuilding infrastructure damaged during recent nationwide unrest. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said the government must prioritise recovery after violent clashes erupted following last month’s disputed election.
The opposition says hundreds were killed during the crackdown, calling for citizens to use 9 December as a day of national protest. The government has not released a death toll and has instead set up a commission of inquiry.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 98 percent of the vote in an election where the two main opposition leaders were either detained or barred. Tundu Lissu remains held on treason charges and Luhaga Mpina was removed from the ballot on technical grounds. Observers have since reported that the vote fell short of democratic standards.
For five days after the election, the government imposed an internet blackout and threatened those who shared footage of the protests. But images and videos continue to circulate online, many verified by international media, showing the scale of the violence. Officials insist critics are tarnishing Tanzania’s image and maintain the country is safe.
Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa said the inquiry will explain what happened, though rights groups question the independence of the commission. More than 240 people were charged with treason after the protests, though many have since been released following the president’s call for prosecutors to show leniency.
Prime Minister Nchemba urged Tanzanians to avoid violence and emphasised the need for political dialogue to prevent further instability. Samia, who came into office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, was once praised for easing restrictions but the political space has sharply narrowed in recent years.
For East Africa, the crisis raises key questions about democracy, security and long-term governance. As youth-led movements across the continent continue to challenge old systems, Tanzania’s next steps will influence regional stability and Africa’s broader democratic trajectory.
The Voice of Africa’s takeaway: political tensions in one nation can shape global perceptions of the continent. Ensuring transparent reforms and genuine dialogue will be essential for restoring trust and protecting the futures of the young people driving change.
Tanzania election 2025, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania unrest, East Africa politics, internet blackout Tanzania, African democracy, youth protests Africa, political crackdown Tanzania, TVOA Africa News