Tanzania Crackdown on Scheduled Demonstration Results in City Centers Unusually Quiet.
Security has been tightened across Tanzania with police and military seen patrolling major cities ahead of anticipated demonstrations against the government called to coincide with independence day.
As of noon, however, no protests had materialized.
People living in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza reported an unusually slow start to the day, with many people choosing to remain indoors due to doubts about whether protests would happen.
The demonstrations were called to call for political reforms in the wake of October's post-election unrest which left an unknown number of people dead.
Authorities Admit Employing Force
The authorities have admitted employing force against demonstrators, asserting that some groups were attempting to overthrow the regime.
Correspondents noted on Tuesday streets that were largely deserted in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This was a stark contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle.
The quiet was undercut by a persistent sense of tension.
Increased Police Presence Across Cities
Security vehicles were seen driving along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while personnel were stationed at strategic locations, including around key public infrastructure.
On social media, activists and campaigners urged followers to remain vigilant, implying that any protest activity would likely commence later in the day. This communication mirrored previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day.
Drivers who went out experienced regular stops at security checkpoints, where officers questioned drivers about their destinations.
Official Position and Bans
Authorities have not provided detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations.
Tanzanian authorities have banned the intended demonstrations and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.
"With many staying at home the atmosphere is quiet but tense."
The day's events painted a picture of a nation on edge, where the threat of protest resulted in a security clampdown in advance that effectively emptied normally bustling cities.
