DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Protests have kicked off in some parts of Tanzania despite the government’s ban on them.
Video clips on multiple social media platforms show a section of Tanzania taking to the streets to protest against President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s regime.
The protesters are demanding justice and accountability following deadly post-election violence that rocked the country in late October 2025.
There are attempts by authorities in cities such as Mwanza and Dar es Salaam to suppress the demonstrations through heavy police and military deployment.
In commemoration of the Independence Day of Mainland Tanzania today, December 9, President Suluhu has exercised the powers conferred on her under Article 45(1)(a)–(d) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 to grant pardon to 1,036 prisoners.
Of these, 22 prisoners have been fully released today, December 9, 2025, while another 1,014 prisoners have had their sentences reduced and will therefore continue to serve part of their remaining sentences.
Why Tanzanians have taken to the streets
The government banned planned anti-government protests over alleged election rigging. Official events were cancelled last month, with funds redirected to repair damage from deadly post-election violence in late October and early November, where police killed dozens—possibly hundreds, rights groups say.
While heavy security deterred crowds in the capital, smaller marches appeared in some parts of the East African nation, and international voices urged protection of assembly rights amid the tension.
Already, police have arrested six human rights defenders who were petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya, demanding accountability for the mass killings overseen by Samia Suluhu since 29 October.
Those arrested are Kelvin Morara, Elisha Alam, Julius Kamau, Odhiambo Ojiro, Lichuma, and Shem.
“We demand their immediate and unconditional release and that the William Ruto regime stop protecting and shielding Suluhu from accountability for grave human rights violations that amount to crimes against humanity,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) said in a statement.
How Nominated Senator Crystal Asige reacted to the situation in Tanzania
While reacting to the protests, Nominated Senator Crystal Asige said that a government which fears the voices of its own people has already stepped outside the path of true democracy.
According to the youthful senator, protests are a mirror reflecting the gaps between leadership and the lived realities of a people, and when that mirror is shattered instead of studied, the nation drifts further from development.
“Tanzania today is a reminder to every government in our region that power is borrowed, not owned. Tunaomba Afrika Mashariki iwe kielelezo cha demokrasia, ambapo sauti za wananchi zinaheshimiwa na haki inatawala,” the lawmaker said in a statement shared on her X account.
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