Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Treason Charges Dropped Against Influencer Niffer and Activist Chavala
The Tanzanian government has dropped treason charges against celebrity businesswoman Jennifer Jovin (‘Niffer’) and activist Mika Chavala, following a directive issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday that the State did not intend to proceed with the case, leading to the immediate release of the pair.
The move is part of a wider presidential initiative announced on November 18, 2025. President Samia, citing her capacity as a “mother and guardian,” instructed the DPP to review the cases of youths arrested during the post-election unrest.
Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Juma Homera, previously reported that charges had been dropped against 607 individuals, with a target of 1,736 suspects expected to be released out of the 2,045 people arrested nationwide.
Niffer (26) was detained on October 28, 2025, after participating in a social media ‘challenge,’ while Chavala (32) was arrested the following day after publishing a video urging youth to rise up against difficult living conditions.
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Tanzania Issues Nationwide Protest Ban, Escalates Crackdown Ahead of Independence Day
Tensions remain high as Tanzanian authorities continue a sustained crackdown on opposition figures, activists, and social media users ahead of anticipated nationwide protests planned for Independence Day, December 9, 2025.
The police force issued a detailed public notice on December 3, 2025, declaring a nationwide protest ban. The police statement explicitly framed the planned demonstrations as a continuation of the October 29 events, which it described as “violence and destruction,” and warned that anyone attempting to participate would be arrested.
This warning was reinforced by mass SMS alerts from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
Security measures have been heightened, with businesses in the Dar es Salaam port area advised to remain closed due to intelligence suggesting demonstrators plan to block all roads leading to the harbor.
The crackdown has led to several high-profile detentions, including that of university lecturer Professor Rasel Mpuya Madaha in Morogoro and the confirmed detention of Edwin Richard Mboro and Victor Bonaventure Ndibalema in Arusha.
President Samia underscored the government’s readiness, stating: “I want to tell them, whenever they come, we are prepared.”
Continue reading here
Tanzania President Presents Differing Reality Over October 29 Protest, Takes On Opposition, Activists, and International Community
In a major address to elders in Dar es Salaam on December 2, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan presented the government’s comprehensive narrative on the post-election unrest. She rejected the term “protest,” describing the October 29 events as a “riot” and an orchestrated event intended “to topple the government.”
The President staunchly defended the security forces’ actions against accusations of excessive force, asking: “What would less force have looked like?” She attributed the unrest to a lack of patriotism and external manipulation, dismissing economic grievances as the primary cause. Regarding the youth, she stated: “Astaghfirullah. Let us return to God. They have no reason [to be upset].”
Politically, she denied blocking the opposition, stating that CHADEMA’s failure to participate in the election was due to issues “within themselves.” She also defended her election result, explaining her 97% vote share was “97% of those who voted.”
She vigorously rebuked international criticism, characterizing the involvement of foreign bodies as colonial interference, asking: “Who are you?… They still think they are our masters, that they are our colonizers.” She also warned religious leaders about their commentary, specifically mentioning the Catholic Bishop Conference. Continue reading here.
Niffer Breaks Down in Tears at First Press Conference Since Release
Businesswoman and social media influencer Jennifer Jovin, popularly known as ‘Niffer,’ broke down in tears during a press conference on Wednesday, her first public address since being released from a month-long detention.
The emotional moment came when a journalist asked for her thoughts on her arrest and incarceration on treason charges, which have since been dropped.
Overwhelmed, Niffer, 26, buried her head in the hands of her mother, Mwanaisha Isack, who sat beside her, and began to cry loudly. It was her mother who then addressed the question, explaining that her daughter’s tears were a result of the shock and regret she felt over the events that had transpired.
“The reason she is crying is that she didn’t expect that what she was doing would’ve caused everything that transpired,” Ms Isack explained to the assembled media.
Ms Isack herself had led a determined campaign for her daughter’s release. On November 7, 2025, for instance, she made a passionate and tearful appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a video recording, pleading for mercy on behalf of her daughter. Read the full article here.
Tanzania, CWEIC Vow to Deepen Trade Cooperation
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening trade relations and attracting new investments following talks with Lord Hugo Swire, KCMG, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). The meeting took place on December 2 at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
A statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications said discussions centred on expanding trade cooperation and unlocking fresh investment opportunities that would boost economic growth and create jobs for Tanzanians.
The CWEIC is a membership organization with an official mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government to facilitate trade and investment across all 56 Commonwealth member states.
According to the statement, President Samia highlighted her administration’s ongoing efforts to closely engage investors who are ready to support the country’s economic agenda. Read the full article here.
Ghana Calls for Credible Investigations on Post-Election Violence in Tanzania
Ghana, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has released a statement calling for a transparent and credible investigation into the events surrounding the October 29 election protest, including the deaths of civilians.
While some former African leaders, including former President of Botswana Ian Khama and former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, have issued a statement regarding developments in Tanzania, Ghana is the first African state to directly address the incident independently.
“Ghana particularly regrets the civilian casualties and extends heartfelt condolences to all the families who are grieving their loved ones lost to the unwarranted violence. We also wish speedy recovery to all those who have suffered injuries,” the statement reads.
In the statement, Ghana expressed support for the Tanzanian authorities’ assurances to address impunity through accountability, justice, and respect for constitutional order. It also highlighted the importance of effective policing and public order measures as part of broader strategies for the promotion and protection of human rights, especially for protesters, as well as the need for accountability and justice.
Ghana further urged the Government to ensure that security forces and other relevant state institutions in Tanzania are mindful of these obligations. Read the full article here.
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