JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
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64th Anniversary of Tanganyika Independence: Security Forces Flood Streets. Government Denies Ordering People to Stay Indoors. Protests Stall…
The 64th Anniversary of Tanganyika's Independence in 2025 was unique, as youths announced plans to hold indefinite protests from this day until their demands were met.
Defense and Security Forces blanketed all urban roads and areas that had high participation in the October 29 protests. Numerous roadblocks were erected, and people were inspected and interrogated about their destinations and activities.
It should be recalled that yesterday, President Samia directed citizens to celebrate the anniversary at home and only go out if necessary—a directive that citizens interpreted as an order, as streets appeared empty. However, police roadblocks also made it more difficult for people to carry out their activities.
Public transport was largely non-operational, making it difficult for citizens to move from one place to another. Due to these challenges, traders who opened their businesses complained of a lack of customers. Others blamed the Government for their goods spoiling due to restrictions on transporting and offloading cargo.
Regarding the protests, they were largely unsuccessful despite statements from the European Parliament and the United Nations that citizens should be allowed to exercise their democratic right to protest. Many failed to reach the agreed-upon locations due to police roadblocks; those who did arrive remained in areas far from the roadblocks to avoid arrest. In some places, it was claimed that citizens were arrested and detained temporarily when suspected of being protesters.
Additionally, social media was flooded with misinformation about protests taking place across the country, using images from past events, including those on October 29 and subsequent days. Regarding internet access, citizens reported that some social media platforms (JamiiForums, X, TikTok, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Clubhouse) were unavailable without a VPN. At the same time, in other places, people experienced slow internet speeds, affecting their activities.
On the other hand, the Dar es Salaam Regional Government stated that it did not issue an order to stay indoors, but rather that President Samia 'advised' citizens to celebrate the day in areas close to their homes and not to lock themselves indoors. Meanwhile, the Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, said people decided on their own to celebrate this day by staying indoors! Simbachawene stated that starting tomorrow, December 10, citizens will continue with their schedules as usual, while Defense and Security Forces continue strengthening security ahead of the end-of-year holidays.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed surprise at the statements by the Dar Regional Commissioner and Simbachawene that citizens voluntarily stayed indoors. They say that, apart from the President's directive being treated as an order, many reported being told by Security Forces that today was not a workday and that they were required to return home.
Some have questioned whether the Government plans to keep security forces and roadblocks in place for all five years, as they will not stop protesting, which they consider indefinite.
Others have termed today's anniversary a "Historical Shame," in which people celebrated Independence Day by not being Free, living in fear of their Government that should have ensured this day was one of pride! Instead of Independence Day Celebrations, it became 'Indoor Confinement Celebrations'.
However, others felt that the protests were largely successful and that they should congratulate themselves.
Also, regarding today's events, citizens are offering sarcastic remarks about the silence that has dominated the country, but note that the high cost incurred by the Government and its agencies remains unknown. From the costs of transporting people and equipment, to accommodation costs for very many officers and detectives who were transported and lodged in guest houses and lodges, to allowances for all their personnel. They believe it has cost billions of shillings. They ask: If this operation continues for a whole week or until the end of the year, how much will it cost the nation? They believe tax revenue has decreased due to declines in business activity, fewer tourists, and other factors.
Police Allegedly Raid Home of Opposition Leader in Geita, Arrest Entire Family
In the early hours of December 9, Police reportedly raided the home of the CHADEMA Chairperson for Geita Vijijini Constituency, Neema Steven Chozaile, and arrested the entire family after Chozaile was not found. Those detained include children: Kelin Benedictor Jafety, a Form Two student; Eliud Thobias Moyi, a VETA electrical student; Elias Sebastian Maya, a 5-year-old; and Asteria Sebastian, a 3-year-old. Others arrested include Mama Grand (sister-in-law), Mama Virginia (neighbor), Thabiza (house girl), and Siwema Jakobo, Chozaile's younger sister.This information was released by CHADEMA, indicating it was a message sent by Chozaile, noting that the Police made these decisions to get information on Chozaile's whereabouts, with reports that some children were beaten to provide information.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed anger at this incident, questioning the meaning of Minister of Home Affairs George Simbachawene's directives if the Police continue to violate procedures when arresting civilians. They added that the Police Force currently needs to be dismantled and reconstructed.
Furthermore, others continued to condemn arbitrary arrests and the fabrication of cases against opponents and government critics, saying the Government should address citizens' grievances and be accountable rather than silencing critics, as that constitutes good governance.
Tanzania Police Issue Statement in English, Sparking Online Debate
In a move that has surprised many, the Chief Government Spokesperson via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and the Police via Instagram posted a statement in English that appears to be from the Police Force.The statement, issued around 6 PM East African Time, states that the security situation in the country today, December 9, 2025, was calm.
The statement adds that the Police Force urges citizens to continue ignoring video and still images circulating on social media, claiming that protests have begun in various areas.
According to the statement, these reports are not accurate; the images are of past events, including those of October 29, 30, and 31, 2025. Others are from older events; for example, one incident occurred in June 2025, when the Maasai community was performing traditional ceremonies (rites of passage) in the TANAPA forest in Arusha City.
Citizens' Opinions:
One of the things that shocked many is the statement being issued in English while targeting Tanzanians who are not speakers of that language, which is not the Police Force's custom. Others criticized the letter for having lots of grammatical errors, including the date ninth being written as '9rd' instead of '9th'. Some said that by issuing this statement in English, the Police showed a lack of patriotism.
Others were surprised that the Police recognized videos of events on October 29, 30, and 31, even though they had previously claimed they were fabricated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). They went further to demand that the Police admit that the photos and videos of bodies scattered in the streets were real. Some mocked the situation, asking that the statement be deleted before many people saw it, and it became an embarrassment. They questioned: if X is banned in Tanzania, which VPN did the Chief Spokesperson use to post that statement?
The statement mentioning 'TANAPA Forest in Arusha City' also surprised some citizens.
