The Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachamwene, has declared the planned December 09 protest illegal and urged citizens not to participate, as the government vows to contain the demonstration organized on social media.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, December 08, 2025, Simbachamwene outlined several reasons why the planned “peaceful and non-stop” protest is unlawful.
“These are not protests, first because they have no permit according to the law but secondly, it is unclear who is the organizer so that we could even talk to them. But thirdly, we are told they are non-stop, so these are not protests, these are uprisings, such protests are illegal, they are not allowed,” Simbachamwene emphasized.
The planned December 09 (D9) protest are mobilized on social media as a continuation of the October 29 demonstrations, which saw hundreds of deaths following a security crackdown. Many have criticized security forces for indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including those killed from their homes and businesses. In addition to protesting democratic decline and abductions, a new demand has emerged calling for the release of bodies of missing relatives killed in the October 29 security operation.
“Since [the protests] do not have a permit and are not in accordance with the law, they are unacceptable and illegal,” Simbachamwene emphasized. “Therefore, our security organs will contain them and therefore, I strongly urge citizens not to dare to show up, because these demonstrations are illegal.”
The government’s statement reinforces earlier warnings issued by the Police on December 03 and December 05. Anticipating a heavy crackdown should the protests proceed, the UN Human Rights Office has released a statement calling for restraint.
READ: Police in Mwanza Arrest 116 Ahead of Independence Day Protests
“Ahead of planned protests on Tanzania’s Independence Day on 9 December, we remind the authorities of their obligation to ensure the rights to freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. We urge the Government to instruct security forces to plan and implement their operations in a manner that allows Tanzanians to fully exercise these fundamental rights,” the UN Human Rights statement reads.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has also advised citizens to celebrate Independence Day at home, except in cases of emergency.
The anticipated protest has triggered increased movement of people away from major cities, flight disruptions, panic buying, and price hikes—especially for fresh food. Government officials acknowledged that in cities such as Dar es Salaam, food suppliers have adjusted their delivery schedules ahead of the protest.
In some fresh food markets visited by The Chanzo, many vendors were selling goods at higher margins and refraining from restocking, preparing for a possible security lockdown. Regarding internet access, the government stated that there are currently no plans for an internet shutdown.
“To shutdown internet is the last option when the situation deteriorate completely, but up to now we are seeing the situation is not worrisome to reach there,” the Home Affairs Minister told reporters.
For the last three weeks there have been an elevated security forces presence in various areas of Dar es Salaam, both army officials and police, highlighting the gravity of the planned protest.
