Tanzanian police issued a warning on Sunday, July 5, 2026, to Tanzanians mobilizing for a demonstration online, claiming there are plans to assassinate leaders and security officials and steal weapons to disrupt peace.
“We continue, in collaboration with other defense and security organs and other stakeholders, to closely monitor indications that a small number of people want to disrupt peace, stability, and security in the country under the pretext that it is their right to hold demonstrations that have not followed security and legal procedures,” said police spokesperson David Misime.
In the statement, police said they have arrested several individuals in connection with planning the Saba Saba protest.
“Ongoing monitoring has continued to reveal that these individuals are continuing to incite violence by encouraging one another that this time they will not appear weak,” Misime said.
He continued: “They intend to ensure they kill some leaders and citizens, they will burn schools, cause destruction, loot public and private property, and that they will kill security officers in order to seize weapons to use in their plans aimed at ensuring that peace disappears from the country.”
The police warning comes amid heightened security in most major cities and towns, with armed officers seen at busy intersections as well as around major government properties and offices. It also comes at a time when mobilization for the protest has intensified both online and offline, through leaflets distributed in major towns and graffiti.
The mobilizers’ main demand is accountability for the killing of citizens during the security crackdown that followed the fallout from the October–November 2025 election, as well as political reforms. Most of the spokespeople are members of the diaspora or Tanzanians in hiding, with conversations taking place on TikTok Live and Instagram. Tanzania’s Prime Minister has linked the demonstrations to a foreign conspiracy to loot Tanzanian resources, specifically critical minerals.
“The police force therefore issues a strong warning to any person or group not to dare carry out or take part in this kind of crime being incited online or by any other means, as strict measures will be taken against them as they come, and in accordance with the law,” police said in their statement.
“The police force also assures citizens that, through cooperation with other defense and security organs, security has been properly strengthened in all areas of the country, and this will continue in the lead-up to the 7th of this month, 2026,” the statement underscored.
READ: Govt Vows ‘Unprecedented Crackdown’ for Saba Saba Demonstrations as Activists Mobilise Online
Several individuals who are vocal online have been arrested or remain unaccounted for. For example, David Nkindikwa, a ruling party member and vocal critic of the government, has reportedly been missing since the evening of June 25, 2026.
CHADEMA members have so far borne the brunt of arrests compared to other groups, even though the demonstrations are not linked to the party. Three members of CHADEMA’s youth wing, all college students in Mbeya, were reportedly taken by armed men who identified themselves as police. They are Noah Mwalwange, Gwamaka Mboka, and Wasinyo.
Also, CHADEMA women’s wing officials from Tanga, including Nusura Kihiyo, women’s wing secretary in Tanga, and Ezekiel Mbwilo, women’s wing chairperson in Korogwe, were reported to be held at the Korogwe Police Station. Additionally, on July 1, 2026, police confirmed the arrest of Neema Chozaire, chairperson of CHADEMA in Geita. It was reported that Chozaire had been missing since June 29, 2026, after telling her family she was going to the market.
