JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Simbachawene: December 9 Protests are Illegal. Internet Shutdown May Happen if the Situation Worsens. Police Must Follow Law When Arresting Suspects, No "Ninja" Gear.
Tanzania’s Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, has stated that the demonstrations allegedly planned for December 9, 2025, are illegal and legally unacceptable. Speaking today, December 8, 2025, he said the protests have not been submitted in accordance with the law, their organizers have not identified themselves, they lack clear objectives, and are described as indefinite, making them legally unrecognized.
He added that Police reports indicate these demonstrations are being advertised as larger than those of October 29—an event that caused damage to public and private property, government institutions, and led to deaths—and called on Tanzanians not to repeat past mistakes. Consequently, Simbachawene stated that the Government cannot view them as demonstrations but rather as indicators of revolutionary acts, emphasizing that Security Organs are fully prepared to control the situation, protect the country's peace, and ensure everyone's safety.
Simbachawene emphasized that no one will be forced to stay home except in emergencies, urging citizens to continue their essential activities while carrying identification and other necessary documents to avoid disruption.
Regarding claims of an internet shutdown, Simbachawene said that so far, the Government sees no reason to take that step. He explained that while some activists have used social media to spread panic, it has not yet reached the level of a security threat warranting a shutdown. However, he noted that the internet could be shut down if the situation becomes dire.
Furthermore, Simbachawene has instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, to ensure that arrests are conducted in accordance with legal procedures. He has banned Police from arresting people forcefully while wearing "ninja" masks, without uniforms, or carrying heavy weapons. He stated he wants transparent and respectful arrests carried out by uniformed officers who identify themselves to the person being sought, to avoid fear and psychological trauma to families.
Public Opinion:
Regarding the protests, many have said it is their right, and they have followed procedures to inform state organs; that is why the whole country is aware of these protests. What they want is for security organs to protect citizens who come out to demonstrate.
Additionally, many feel the statement requiring Police to follow procedure during arrests was issued to calm the public and show the Government is working to end crimes. However, some view this as the beginning of an end to abduction incidents, given that those accused of doing so are police officers. Some have begun to view Simbachawene as a suitable person to lead the country as President, calling for his "protection."
Samia Sends on Independence Day: Those Without Emergencies Should Stay Home
President Samia, through Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, has wished all citizens a happy Tanganyika Independence Day, celebrated annually on December 9. She urged citizens without emergencies to spend the day at home, resting and celebrating, except for those whose work duties require them to remain at their stations in accordance with their leaders' directives.Public Opinion:
Many have questioned why the Prime Minister delivered this message while the Vice President was present.
Others have interpreted the "advice" to not go out as an "order" from the Government, fearing a repeat of the events of October 29, where more people might lose their lives or be injured this time, especially since citizens have promised to conduct peaceful protests and refrain from acts leading to violence or property damage.
French Embassy Advises Its Citizens in the Country to Stay Home on December 9
The French Embassy in Tanzania has advised its citizens currently in the country to remain at home on December 9, 2025, following President Samia's guidance to stay indoors unless necessary to go out.In their statement, the embassy emphasized that citizens should leave their homes only in an emergency as a precaution.
Public Opinion:
Many have said this announcement is due to threats to the country's security, peace, and stability, contrary to what the Government has been broadcasting. They argue that if they felt safe, there would be no need for such an announcement, which they attribute to the excessive force used by state organs.
Fear of December 9 Demonstrations Leads to Shopping Rush in Markets and Shops
A large crowd of citizens has been observed in markets and supermarkets across various areas, especially in Dar es Salaam, where people were seen buying essential items like food, water, and household goods in bulk due to fears that shops would close during the demonstrations.
Many citizens say they were preparing early because of the possibility of a goods shortage if the security and political situation becomes unstable. Some said they do not want to repeat the mistakes of October 29, when they found themselves running out of food amidst fear of going outside, as citizens were killed randomly, even when seen outside their homes, while others were followed inside and shot dead in front of their families.
However, the situation is different for those relying on daily income to buy necessities, as many goods have run out in shops and markets, while prices for others have risen above usual levels, making it harder for them to afford basic needs.
Samia Meets with US Charge d'Affaires; Agrees to Finalize Talks on Mineral and Natural Gas Projects
President Samia held talks with the US Charge d'Affaires to Tanzania, Andrew Lentz, at Chamwino State House in Dodoma on December 8, 2025. Issues discussed included strengthening key areas of cooperation between Tanzania and the US, reaffirming a joint commitment to maintaining political collaboration beneficial to both nations, economic reforms, regional security, and opportunities for people-to-people exchange between the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to finalize talks on the LNG project (a natural gas project valued at $42 billion USD), Tembo Nickel (a nickel mining investment valued at $942 million USD), and Mahenge Graphite (a graphite production project).
Samia stated that Tanzania, as a non-aligned nation, is open and ready to cooperate with all partners who respect its freedom and value its vision for prosperity.
Public Opinion:
Many have said that, following her "Who are you?" remark directed at foreign nations and international institutions that contribute significantly to Tanzania's development budget, the President has begun to humble herself and listen to the advice of experts and citizens on maintaining diplomatic relations. However, many see this as something that could change at any moment.
Others view the release of this information just one day before the planned protests as a strategy to show citizens that Western nations, particularly the US, stand with the Government, thereby dampening the morale to protest by suggesting no one supports their efforts to seek 'Justice'.
