Tanzania has canceled its upcoming Independence Day celebrations, originally scheduled for December 9.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that the funds allocated for the festivities will instead be re-directed towards repairing infrastructure damaged during recent post-election events.
This decision comes as opposition groups and other organizations have called for public demonstrations on Independence Day to protest fatalities reported following last month's contested elections. The opposition claims that hundreds of individuals died during the government's response to these events. The government has not released an official death toll but has established a commission of inquiry.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 98% of the vote in the recent election. Opposition groups have described the election's outcome as a "mockery of democracy."
Key opposition figures were unable to participate. Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges, which he denies, and Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was rejected on technical grounds. International election observers have reported indications of vote manipulation and stated that the election did not meet democratic standards. Following the October 29 election, the government imposed a five-day internet blackout and issued warnings against sharing images from protests.
Images and videos depicting deceased individuals have circulated online, with some graphic footage verified by international media. The government has criticized the portrayal of these events, stating it aims to damage the country's image, and maintains that the country is secure. Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa indicated on Sunday that the commission of inquiry would clarify the events. However, various groups have expressed concerns regarding the commission's independence.
Approximately 240 people were charged with treason following the protests. President Hassan subsequently requested prosecutors to demonstrate leniency, and many of those charged have reportedly been released.
On Monday, Prime Minister Nchemba urged Tanzanians to avoid violence and emphasized the importance of political dialogue. He appealed to citizens to "come together and discuss the issues affecting us" and to "not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable."
President Hassan assumed office in 2021 as Tanzania's first female president following the death of President John Magufuli. Her initial tenure was characterized by reports of easing political restrictions, though subsequent observations suggest a narrowing of the political environment.