Tanzania’s government has asked citizens to remain at home on Independence Day, a shift from the usual public celebrations, as tensions rise ahead of planned anti-government protests on 9 December.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba delivered the message on Monday, December 8, 2025, while conveying President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s holiday greetings. He said the government advises Tanzanians who do not have urgent duties to use the day for rest and mark the holiday from their homes.

Only workers required at their stations should report to duty, following instructions from their supervisors.

“Ndugu wananchi, Rais wa Jamhuri wa Muungano wa Tanzania, Mweshimiwa Dr. Samia Suluhu, anapenda kuwatakia wananchi wote heri ya siku kuu, ya uhuru wa Tanzania Bara inayoadhimishwa kila mwaka tarehe tisa December,” he said.

“Aidha, serikali inawashauri wananchi wote ambao tarehe tisa Disemba 2025, hawatakuwa na dharura kuitumia siku hiyo kwa mapumziko. Hivyo kusherehekea siku hiyo wakiwa nyumbani.”

“Isipokuwa kwa wale ambao majukumu yao ya kazi yanawataka kuwepo katika vituo vyao vya kazi. Kama ambavyo wataelekezwa na viongozi wao. “Asanteni, nawatakia siku kuu njema,” he said.

The announcement came a day after Nchemba appealed to the public to avoid the planned demonstrations. Opposition groups have called for nationwide protests on December 9, which also marks Tanganyika’s Independence Day.

The prime minister warned that the country cannot risk a repeat of recent violence linked to the disputed October election.

During a public address on Sunday, Nchemba accused unnamed individuals of paying young people to cause unrest. He claimed that some organisers were receiving large sums of money to recruit others to burn property and disrupt the country. He urged citizens to be alert and reject attempts to drag the nation into chaos.

“Those sending you have been paid,” he said in Swahili. “You are being told to go and cause chaos while they remain with the money. We have seen young people receiving billions.”

“Five billion shillings can build several health centres. Why is one young man given such money? He is only told to find others, give them petrol and tell them to go and burn property.”

Celebrations halted amid unrest

Security concerns have grown as Tanzania approaches December 9. The United States has issued a security alert to its citizens, warning of possible curfews, internet shutdowns, roadblocks and travel disruptions around the protest date.

The US Embassy has suspended non-emergency travel for its staff and urged Americans to avoid large gatherings. Police in Tanzania have also declared the planned protests unlawful, saying organisers intend to disrupt public order and damage infrastructure.

Protests have already had a major impact on national plans. On November 24, the government cancelled this year’s Independence Day celebrations and said the money set aside for the event would be used to repair infrastructure damaged during the post-election riots on 29 October.

Nchemba announced the decision while inspecting road works in Dar es Salaam, saying the funds should immediately support repairs to roads, public buildings and other facilities affected by the unrest.

Activists insist that the demonstrations will continue, arguing that the country needs accountability and political reforms following the general election. Human rights groups and the UN Human Rights Office have reported credible information suggesting that hundreds of people may have been killed during and after the polls.

Opposition figures claim the number could be higher. The government has rejected the figures as exaggerated and has not released its own data.

Independence Day is a major national holiday in Tanzania. It marks Tanganyika’s freedom from British rule on December 9, 1961. The day is usually marked with parades, cultural performances and speeches highlighting national unity.