Tanzanian police banned a youth gathering organised by the opposition party Chadema on Sunday, accusing them of planning violent protests. Chadema’s youth wing announced on Saturday that around 10,000 young people were set to gather in Mbeya on Monday to celebrate International Youth Day with the slogan “Take charge of your future”.
Awadh Haji, the police chief overseeing operations and training, stated that the force had “clear indications that their aim is not to celebrate but to initiate and engage in violence”. He referenced “the youth of Kenya”, alluding to recent anti-government protests in Kenya led primarily by young people.
Haji declared that police had decided to prohibit any internal or public gatherings or demonstrations under the guise of marking International Youth Day, citing potential breaches of the peace.
Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA’s vice chairman, and the party’s Secretary General John Mnyika were among those arrested on Sunday evening, party spokesperson John Mrema told Reuters.
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Chadema officials criticised the decision and urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to intervene. They accused the police of already attempting to block party convoys heading to Mbeya and making arrests. Hassan, who took office in 2021 following President John Magufuli’s sudden death, has moved away from her predecessor’s authoritarian stance, initiating political reforms and easing restrictions on the media and opposition.
In January 2023, Hassan lifted a ban on opposition rallies imposed by Magufuli in 2016, aiming to restore democratic norms. Chadema deputy chairman Tundu Lissu, on X (formerly Twitter), criticised the police action and called for Hassan to halt such measures. Lissu, a former presidential candidate, returned to Tanzania after Hassan lifted the ban, ending five years in exile following a 2017 assassination attempt.
In March 2022, Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe was released after being detained for seven months, just before the party planned to hold a public forum on constitutional reforms. Chadema’s secretary general John Mnyika also appealed to Hassan and the police to cease illegal actions, arguing that the blockades and arrests violate political rights and contradict the reforms the president claims to support.
Tanzania is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections late next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Tanzanian police ban the Chadema youth gathering?
Police claimed Chadema planned violent demonstrations, not just celebrating International Youth Day.
What was the purpose of the Chadema youth gathering?
The gathering aimed to mark International Youth Day and encourage youth to take charge of their future.
What reforms has President Samia Suluhu Hassan implemented since taking office?
Hassan has relaxed some media restrictions and lifted a ban on opposition rallies imposed by her predecessor.
How did Chadema officials react to the police ban on their youth gathering?
Chadema officials condemned the decision and called on President Hassan to intervene.
When are the next presidential and parliamentary elections in Tanzania?
Tanzania is due to hold presidential and parliamentary polls late next year.
