Tanzania has suspended all political rallies less than two weeks before planned nationwide protests, marking the latest escalation in political tensions in the East African nation as it seeks to balance security concerns with its efforts to attract investment and strengthen economic growth.
Interior Minister Patrobas Katambi announced the ban in parliament on Friday, saying intelligence assessments pointed to security threats linked to the planned demonstrations. He did not indicate how long the restriction would remain in force.
The protests, scheduled for July 7, are being organised largely by young Tanzanians calling for democratic reforms and justice for people killed during violence that followed last year’s general election.
Organisers have also demanded greater political freedoms, while opposition supporters continue to call for the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, whose arrest and treason charges have intensified political tensions.
The government’s decision represents a significant shift from President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s early reform agenda.
