The Tanzania Police Force has dismissed widespread reports of post-election protests in various parts of the country, informing the general public that, as of Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the security situation across the country is calm.

In a public address issued on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Tanzania Police Spokesperson David Misime announced that Tanzanian authorities have effectively prevented a planned nationwide anti-government protest through a significant security crackdown.

The authorities have curbed the planned demos by imposing a ban on public assembly and urging citizens to stay home. The planned demonstrations (“D9”) were intended to coincide with Tanzania’s Independence Day and protest alleged election fraud and human rights abuses.

Tanzania is peaceful

”The security and defence organs are continuing to strengthen security nationwide, while safeguarding the lives and property of citizens. The Police Force also urges members of the public to disregard circulating videos and still images on social media that claim demonstrations have begun. These reports are false,” Misime said.

Misime also urged Tanzanians to ignore videos and images making the rounds on social media, adding that they are vague and should not be regarded as the actual picture on the ground.

”The images being circulated are not from current events; they are from earlier incidents, including events that occurred on 29, 30, and 31 October 2025. Some images are from even earlier dates—for example, an incident in June 2025 involving initiation ceremonies by the Maasai community in a TANAPA forest in Arusha City,” he added.

Protests prohibited

”It should also be noted that the purported “peaceful demonstrations” were prohibited effective 5 December 2025 because they did not meet the legal requirements set out in applicable laws, including the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977) and the Police and Auxiliary Police Act (Chapter 322). We therefore urge all citizens to continue complying with the law for the benefit of everyone.” Misime asserted.

Ahead of the protests, Tanzanian police declared any demonstrations illegal, citing a lack of formal notification from organisers. Authorities arrested at least 116 people accused of planning demonstrations. Opposition figures, including leaders from the CHADEMA party, were also detained in the run-up to the planned protests.

Security forces, including police and military, were heavily deployed across major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Reports indicate that streets in most areas remained largely deserted as citizens heeded the government’s call to stay home and avoid potential conflict.