DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The Tanzanian government has issued a clear directive regarding the observance of Independence Day on December 9, 2025, urging its populace to celebrate privately at home.
This guidance specifies that only personnel engaged in essential services are required to report to their respective work stations.
In an official statement delivered by Government Spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu on Monday, it was conveyed that President Suluhu extended her best wishes to all Tanzanians for a happy Independence Day.
Mr. Azzan proceeded to encourage the public to observe the national holiday as a day of rest and home-based celebration, unless faced with an emergency. The government spokesperson’s exact words were:
“The government urges all citizens who will have no emergency to spend the day resting. They should celebrate the day at home, apart from those whose work responsibilities need them to be at their work locations as directed,”
Context of protest and police action
The forthcoming Independence Day celebrations have drawn public attention due to discussions and plans circulating among citizens to hold demonstrations.
In response, the Tanzanian Police Force has proactively declared that any planned protests during the Tuesday holiday will be considered illegal.
In a statement released late Friday, Police Spokesperson David Misime acknowledged having observed the calls for protest on social media platforms.
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However, he noted that “No identifiable person has so far submitted formal notification for the planned demonstrations.”
The police statement, originally in Swahili, cited existing police guidelines. It argued that, “given the unlawful tactics that have surfaced,” the proposed rally “no longer meets the legal requirements to be authorised.”
Consequently, the statement concluded: “Therefore, the Police Force, as of today, bans the planned demonstrations described as peaceful and indefinite.”
