Tanzania has called off its Independence Day celebrations scheduled for December 9 following growing calls for nationwide protests over alleged mass killings linked to last month’s disputed elections.
The decision was announced on Monday by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.
According to Nchemba, funds set aside for the festivities will be redirected toward repairing infrastructure damaged during the election-related unrest in late October.
The announcement comes as opposition groups and civil society urged citizens to use Independence Day as a platform to protest the deadly crackdown that followed the October 29 general election.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 98% of the vote, but opposition parties dismissed the results as “fabricated” and illegitimate.
Key opposition leaders were either detained or barred from running.
Chadema’s Tundu Lissu has been in custody on treason charges since April, while ACT-Wazalendo candidate Luhaga Mpina was disqualified on procedural grounds.
The disputed poll triggered widespread demonstrations, with thousands taking to the streets.
Rights groups criticised the government for what they described as a “violent and repressive” response.
Opposition figures claim that hundreds were killed, though the government has not released an official death toll.
A commission of inquiry has been established, but critics question its independence.
Prime Minister Nchemba urged citizens to shun violence and embrace dialogue.
“I call on my fellow Tanzanians to come together and address the issues before us.
“We must not repeat what happened, because the consequences are too grave,” he said.
