DAR ES SALAAM (BN24) — In a move reflecting the tense political climate following last month’s contested elections, the government of Tanzania has announced the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, traditionally held on December 9. Instead, the funds that would have been used for the festivities will be redirected toward rebuilding infrastructure that was damaged during the violence that erupted in the aftermath of the controversial election.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba’s announcement comes amidst growing calls from opposition groups for Tanzanians to gather on Independence Day to demonstrate against the violent crackdown that followed the election. The opposition claims that the government’s actions resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, while the government has yet to release an official death toll. In response to these allegations, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has established a commission of inquiry to investigate the events surrounding the unrest.
A Divisive Election and Unrest
The October 2025 elections saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure a sweeping victory, reportedly winning with 98% of the vote, a result that opposition leaders have described as a “mockery of democracy.” The election was marred by accusations of voter suppression, manipulation, and widespread irregularities. Key opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu, were unable to contest the vote. Lissu, who had returned to Tanzania after years of exile, was detained on treason charges, which he vehemently denies. Meanwhile, the candidacy of Luhaga Mpina was rejected on technical grounds.
As the results were announced, protests erupted across the country, particularly in urban centers, with opposition groups alleging that the government had rigged the election. Security forces were deployed in large numbers, and there were widespread reports of violence, with witnesses describing brutal crackdowns on protesters. The government imposed a five-day internet blackout following the election and threatened severe penalties for anyone sharing images or videos of the protests.
International Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The international response to the election violence has been swift and forceful. On November 13, a coalition of lawyers and human rights organizations formally requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigate President Samia and her government for crimes against humanity related to the unrest. The 82-page document submitted to the ICC alleges that the government was involved in mass killings and the secret disposal of over 500 bodies following the crackdown.
Images and videos documenting the gruesome aftermath of the violence, including the bodies of the deceased, have since circulated online. These graphic images have been verified by international media outlets, despite the Tanzanian government’s attempts to downplay the severity of the violence. Government officials, including spokesperson Gerson Msigwa, have criticized the portrayal of the events, accusing international media of attempting to tarnish the country’s image.
In his latest statement, Msigwa emphasized that the government is committed to transparency, stating that the commission of inquiry would provide clarity regarding the events. However, there are concerns among civil society groups about the independence of the commission, with critics fearing it may be politically compromised.
Government Response and the Call for Political Dialogue
In a bid to ease tensions, Prime Minister Nchemba urged Tanzanians to refrain from violence and called for constructive political dialogue. “I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us,” he said. “Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable.” His call for peace comes as the opposition and human rights groups continue to demand accountability for the deaths and alleged abuses during the election unrest.
The decision to cancel the Independence Day celebrations has been seen as a move to avoid further escalation of protests on December 9, a date that has historically been a symbol of national pride. By reallocating funds to infrastructure repairs, the government appears to be attempting to restore stability and address some of the damage caused by the violence, which has affected both public and private properties in several cities.
The Role of President Samia Suluhu Hassan: From Promise to Controversy
When President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of President John Magufuli, she was initially hailed as a reformer, seen as a breath of fresh air in a country long known for political repression. Her early promises to ease the tight grip on dissent, lift restrictions on the media, and engage in dialogue with opposition leaders raised hopes for a more inclusive political environment.
However, in the years since her ascension, the political space in Tanzania has increasingly narrowed. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms, pointing to a growing pattern of crackdown on opposition parties, media outlets, and civil society. The crackdown following the October elections has only intensified these concerns.
Tanzania’s political landscape is now at a crossroads. While President Samia has made overtures for peace and dialogue, the opposition and many Tanzanians view the election as a step backward for democracy. As tensions simmer, the government’s response to the unrest, including the investigation by the ICC, will likely determine the trajectory of the country’s political future.
International Legal Pressure: The ICC’s Role
The call for the ICC to investigate Tanzania’s handling of the election unrest has intensified, particularly after widespread reports of extrajudicial killings and the secrecy surrounding the disposal of bodies. International human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the Tanzanian government’s actions, calling for accountability at the highest levels.
The ICC investigation could have significant implications not only for President Samia and her administration but for Tanzania’s international relations and standing on the global stage. If the court finds sufficient evidence of crimes against humanity, it could lead to further sanctions and diplomatic isolation for Tanzania, potentially altering its relations with both regional and global powers.
Looking Ahead: Tanzania’s Political Future
As Tanzania approaches December 9 without its traditional Independence Day celebrations, the nation stands at a political crossroads. The cancellation of the festivities marks a symbolic shift in the country’s approach to national unity, one that will undoubtedly have lasting effects on Tanzania’s political culture and democratic prospects.
Whether the government’s efforts to rebuild trust and address the unrest will succeed or lead to further polarization remains to be seen. But as the pressure mounts both domestically and internationally, the future of Tanzania’s democracy hangs in the balance.
