Tanzania’s government announced a ban on political rallies on Friday in anticipation of planned protests against last year’s disputed general election and the detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Internal Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi instructed Police Inspector General Camillus Wambura to cease the issuance of permits for all political activities nationwide.
The 2025 general election was marked by controversy, with the ruling party winning by a wide margin amid a boycott by the country’s main opposition party and the disqualification of the presidential candidate from the second-largest opposition group. Following the election, Tanzania experienced its first postelection protests, which resulted in significant violence and the deaths of more than 500 people.
Tanzanian youth have mobilized on social media to organize demonstrations scheduled for July 7. The protests aim to reject the reelection of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and call for a comprehensive constitutional reform. Participants are also demanding the release of Lissu, who faces treason charges after advocating for political reforms ahead of the 2025 elections. Authorities have already arrested individuals associated with the protest organizers.
The ban on political rallies has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society. Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanzania Law Society, challenged the government’s action, stating that it lacks authority to prohibit legally sanctioned meetings. Opposition groups have condemned the ban as politically motivated and a breach of constitutional rights, emphasizing that political parties are guaranteed the right to hold public gatherings.
The government has not provided further details on the enforcement of the ban or potential consequences for those who defy it. The move underscores ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition elements in Tanzania ahead of the July demonstrations.