Dar es Salaam — The Tanzanian Police Force has intensified a nationwide crackdown, arresting dozens of individuals—including members of the main opposition party CHADEMA, influential TikTok content creators, and WhatsApp group administrators—on accusations of planning and inciting unrest.
The arrests are aimed at preventing anticipated so-called “D9” demonstrations scheduled to begin on December 9, 2025, which marks the country’s 64th anniversary of Independence.
The police action has been ongoing since mid-November and targets those accused of “spreading hatred among the community and inciting violence in the country,” as well as “distributing provocative and divisive words.”
The crackdown has been shadowed by controversy after some arrests were reported by onlookers and online users as potential abductions by armed, plainclothes individuals.
This was evident in Arusha, where police later admitted to holding Edwin Richard Mboro and Victor Bonaventure Ndibalema, accused of “leading a chat group to spread hatred.” Videos showed the two men struggling against individuals who were not wearing police uniform, fuelling claims of attempted kidnapping, a characterisation the police have rejected.
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Among the high-profile individuals detained is Clemence Mwandambo, a popular Social Media user known for criticising the government. Mwandambo, a teacher, was arrested on November 21, 2025, in Mbeya and accused of circulating provocative messages on Facebook and Instagram.
Police in Mbeya also detained Victoria Swebe, the CHADEMA chairperson for Kyela district, along with three others, on suspicion of incitement. Furthermore, Dr Kibaba Furaha Michael, a hospital worker and administrator of the Umoja wa Madaktari Tanzania WhatsApp group, was detained in Geita days after reports surfaced that he was taken by armed, plainclothes people.
The focus on alleged online organising was highlighted by the arrest of Ambrose Leonce Dede on November 13, 2025, accused of “planning and inciting crime through a WhatsApp group.” Dede, identified by police as a CHADEMA member, allegedly used a group named SAUTI YA WATANZANIA to coordinate the acts.
However, the group strongly refuted any association with Dede or involvement in unlawful coordination, stating that it operates solely as a “peaceful civic and educational forum.”
The crackdown occurs against the backdrop of planned “peaceful, non-stop mass demonstrations” starting December 9, 2025. Reports circulating on social media indicate that the organisers are not happy with the current electoral process and President Samia’s government, and the aftermath of October 29 election day protest and unrest.
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According to social media reports, the D9 protests are aimed at demanding accountability for historical and recent abuses, including abductions, torture, and killings. The planned D9 movement is seen as a continuation of the “MO29” protests that erupted on October 29, 2025, during the General Election, which were driven by youth denouncing opposition exclusion and economic issues.
Following the widespread use of force during the MO29 events, President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched a domestic Commission of Inquiry on November 20, 2025, to investigate the root causes of the “calamity.” The opposition, however, has rejected the probe, demanding an international inquiry.
The police have warned that they will not hesitate to take action against anyone attempting to coordinate the demonstrations. They emphasised that they will continue to act against all statements and acts intended to incite hatred and violence to safeguard the country’s economic growth and the current efforts toward national reconciliation.
Meanwhile, the protest organisers have appealed to the international community for diplomatic assistance, arguing that it is necessary to protect the rights of citizens fighting for freedom and democracy.
