Tanzania bans political rallies as opposition heads to court

The Tanzanian government has suspended all political rallies across the country until further notice, citing security concerns as tensions rise ahead of planned demonstrations demanding democratic reforms and accountability for last year’s post-election violence.

Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi announced the directive in parliament on Friday, saying intelligence agencies had identified security threats, including people allegedly found with weapons while planning criminal activities. He also said the country should prioritise economic development and preparations for an upcoming international trade fair expected to attract visitors from around the world.

Authorities warned that any actions likely to disrupt public order would not be tolerated during the period of the suspension. The government has not indicated how long the ban will remain in force.

The decision has drawn immediate criticism from opposition parties, with ACT Wazalendo describing the directive as unconstitutional and confirming it intends to challenge the ban in court. The party has accused the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) of using state institutions to restrict political competition, although the governing party had not publicly responded to those allegations.

Veteran Chadema politician Joseph Selasini said the suspension comes at a time when opposition meetings had been attracting large crowds calling for justice for victims of the violence that erupted after the October 29, 2025 general election.

A commission of inquiry established by President Samia Suluhu Hassan found that 518 people died from unnatural causes during the unrest, including 197 who were killed by gunfire. The findings shocked many observers because Tanzania had long enjoyed a reputation as one of East Africa’s most politically stable countries.

The protests followed a highly disputed election in which the country’s two leading opposition presidential hopefuls were prevented from standing. Youth groups have since been organising demonstrations through social media, calling for constitutional reforms, greater political freedoms and accountability over the deadly crackdown.

The latest restrictions represent a significant policy reversal for President Samia, who lifted a six-year ban on political rallies in 2023 after succeeding the late President John Magufuli. Her decision at the time was widely welcomed as a step towards restoring political openness, although she urged parties to conduct campaigns responsibly and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

Magufuli introduced the original ban in 2016, arguing that continuous political campaigning distracted the country from its economic development agenda. Opposition parties and civil society groups criticised the restrictions, saying they were designed to weaken political competition.

With legal challenges now expected and nationwide protests planned in the coming weeks, the government’s decision is likely to intensify scrutiny of Tanzania’s democratic trajectory both at home and internationally.