Tanzania: Summary of Key Events - November 26, 2025

[JF Summary]

OCD Chunya: Fuel stations must not sell more than 2 liters of petrol to bodabodas and bajajis​

The District Police Commander (OCD) of Chunya, Nestory John, has ordered fuel stations not to sell more than 2 liters of petrol per day to bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) and bajaji (tricycle taxi) drivers ahead of December 9. He claimed that many of them use the fuel to burn and damage infrastructure.

He was quoted as saying the measure aims to control security because ample fuel gives them the motivation and capacity to travel and commit crimes. He also urged fuel station owners to increase security by deploying armed guards and installing CCTV cameras to help identify such criminals.

Following the circulation of this statement online, the Police Force, through its spokesperson, DCP David Misime, issued a public denial of the order. The statement explained that the Force is investigating the report's veracity. It stated that an OCD does not have the authority to call a press conference and issue such a statement, and that if the investigation confirms this occurred, appropriate action will be taken immediately.

Public Opinion:
Most citizens have said the report was likely accurate, but the OCD erred by releasing it too early. It appears to have been planned for release a few days before the protests to control that specific demographic; to reduce public anger, the Police were forced to come forward and deny the report.

Others viewed the Police statement—even if a denial—as an eye-opener regarding the authorities' plans, giving the public an advantage to better organize and ensure that their plans for that day are not ruined.

Additionally, others perceived the statement as a strategy to perpetuate propaganda that the protests planned for December 9 will be violent and involve property destruction, even though citizens have repeatedly stated they are peaceful and continue to educate each other against violence. They argue that security organs and the government are doing this so they can damage property and kill civilians, then blame the citizens to acquire legitimacy for banning protests in the country.

Minister: Over 2,045 arrested for Treason during elections; 1,736 to be released​

The Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr. Juma Homera, has stated that over 2,045 people were arrested in the country during and after the protest violence that occurred during the elections.

According to his statement, 1,736 of them will be released following President Samia's pardon issued on November 14, 2025, during the inauguration of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma. At that time, she instructed the DPP to screen those deserving release after "following the crowd" to demonstrate, while 309 will remain in custody.

Dr. Homera released these statistics today, November 26, 2025, during a visit to the DPP's Office in Dodoma, shortly after being appointed Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs.

Public Opinion:
Many say no genuine pardon was granted because those arrested had committed no crime; instead, they view it as a government tactic to evade accountability for failing to arrest those who actually killed civilians during the protests.

Others complained about the excessive powers of the President and DPP, which enable them to decide who gets arrested and sent to jail, and who gets released. They claim these powers have been misused to harass opposition leaders and major government critics.

Furthermore, others have predicted a worse situation occurring on December 9 if citizens continue to be ignored. Many are angry about losing loved ones, and those released have formed friendships in prison that unite them and provide motivation to cooperate in achieving their goals. This is described as potentially increasing citizens' motivation to participate in large numbers in the upcoming protests. If the Police use excessive force as they did on October 29, the death toll could be much higher.

Mwigulu: Even if I am Prime Minister for one week, it is fine; I will not allow a country of masters and slaves​

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has responded to a statement by activist ‘Evarist Chahali’—who claimed Nchemba would be the shortest-serving Prime Minister ever—emphasizing that even if he serves for one week, it is fine. However, he insisted that during that one week, he would not allow Tanzania to have laws that protect high-class people while oppressing low-class people.

He stated he will not accept the country becoming a land of "masters and slaves" and that he will continue to represent the ordinary citizens because they are the ones he lives with and who will eventually bury him, emphasizing that no one has ever seen a grave being dug by people wearing suits!

Dr. Mwigulu made this statement today, November 26, 2025, at the first commemoration of Sustainable Land Transport Week held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam.

Public Opinion:
Many said the poor citizens he swore to defend against oppressors did not elect him; they are not the ones who gave him the parliamentary seat, but rather those "masters" he claims he will fight to remove class divisions.

Others mocked the Prime Minister's style of holding meetings almost every day as a performative way to show he cares for the citizens. Citizens emphasize that if there is no accountability for the events that took place during the elections, then other protests are inevitable.

Dodoma: MP orders local leaders to monitor visitors entering and leaving ahead of December 9​

Following reports of a plan for second-phase protests expected on December 9, the MP for Dodoma Urban, Paschal Chinyele, has called on Local Government leaders and guesthouse owners to strengthen monitoring of visitors entering and leaving their areas. He stated that those causing violence and burning infrastructure are visitors sent by activists who are abroad with their families, emphasizing that this must not happen.

He said the measure aims to prevent a recurrence of violence like that on October 29 and to ensure the safety of the capital city and the nation.

Chinyele urged these leaders to report to the Police immediately when they suspect certain visitors so that early action can be taken.

Public Opinion:
Many criticized how leaders insist that those who caused 'violence' are foreigners or visitors, while knowing full well that those demonstrating are citizens reacting to a lack of accountability and major human rights violations. This narrative increases public anger as they feel ignored.

Others said that without the Government addressing the root causes, compelling citizens to demonstrate, no solution will be found. Instead, citizens will use the means they know to ensure justice, and this step may have major consequences.