Tanzania Police Issue Strong Warning Ahead of Uhuru Demo

The Tanzania Police Force has issued a chilling public alert, accusing organizers of planned “indefinite peaceful protests” scheduled for December 9, 2025, of openly plotting nationwide violence, looting, and economic sabotage under the cover of demonstrations.

In a statement released Wednesday from Police Headquarters in Dodoma, force spokesperson David Misime described intercepted social media messages in which protest coordinators allegedly instruct untrained participants to leave weapons to “those who have received training,” while directing mobs to burn communication towers, blockade Dar es Salaam port, seal all border roads, shut down hospitals, and loot businesses on the pretext of hunger.

The notice claims organizers are explicitly mobilizing youths to track down and attack government officials, warning that anyone attempting to counter-protest will be “found beheaded in the streets.” Others, the police say, have threatened that non-participants “will not reach their places of work.” Police described the planned action as a deliberate attempt to “destroy our nation” and plunge Tanzania back into the violence witnessed on October 29, 2025, and subsequent days—events that left dozens dead during disputed local government elections.

“What they call peaceful protests is in fact a serious crime that threatens lives, the economy, and national security,” the statement read, adding that security agencies are “closely monitoring” online groups and will take decisive action against anyone promoting or participating in the chaos.

Opposition leaders linked to Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) have distanced themselves from calls for violence, insisting any December 9 action would be peaceful. However, the police statement appears to criminalize the act of mobilization.

As Tanzanians prepare for Christmas and New Year celebrations, authorities urged citizens to reject the protests and focus on “healing” under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s reconciliation efforts. The force promised heightened deployments to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

With only five days remaining, the standoff has raised fears of fresh confrontation between security forces and opposition supporters.