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| The police’s strong stance has provoked significant public outcry. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tensions between Tanzanian authorities and the opposition reached a boiling point when the police issued a stark warning to Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) leaders on September 13, 2024. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime's statement during a press conference in Kilimanjaro sent shockwaves through the nation.
Misime urged Chadema to halt their plans for public protests, warning that those heading to Dar es Salaam for these unauthorised demonstrations should reconsider. He described the gatherings as wasteful and unlawful, a sentiment that ignited a storm of reactions online.
The police’s strong stance has provoked significant public outcry, with many Tanzanians voicing their frustration and questioning the authorities' priorities. As the clash between the government and the opposition intensifies, the national discourse is increasingly charged with demands for accountability and justice.
Critics have flooded social media, condemning the police's heavy-handed approach. One user sharply criticized the authorities, saying, “Return the people you’ve abducted, even if you’ve killed them. If you don’t want protests, stop abducting and killing innocent Tanzanians.
Criticism isn’t a crime, and even if it were, use the law to deal with critics rather than resorting to abduction and murder.” Another critic, George Tweve, expressed disbelief at the police’s methods: “I don’t know what kind of policing you’ve learned, but it seems you’re just threatening people. Do you think we don’t have ways to resist your actions?”
Rose Lomayani questioned the priorities of the police, asking, “Why aren’t you using this power to catch kidnappers and murderers? The real issue is not Chadema but the failure to address theft, corruption, and sexual violence.
If Chadema is the problem, just ban the party.” Marko Mbilinyi lamented the state of national security, saying, “Where is the peace you claim to protect? We’re witnessing abductions and murders. You’re failing to ensure safety, and we are asking God to keep us safe from violence.” Allan Chinyama echoed these concerns, stating, “Our nation is no longer a safe place. The authorities have failed to protect us. We are praying to be spared from further violence and chaos, especially since our children are still young and depend on us.” Ali Omari highlighted the lack of transparency, saying, “Even if we don’t support protests, why is there no clarity on why we are being oppressed and killed? We are losing hope.”
Amid this turmoil, Tanzanian human rights activist Mange Kimabi, now based in the United States, came out in defense of Chadema’s planned protests. In a passionate YouTube statement, Kimabi argued that the demonstrations are crucial for both Chadema and Tanzanians who have long been deprived of their rights.
She criticized the government for its favoritism and failure to address police brutality and ongoing human rights abuses. “These protests are vital for opposing tyranny and the misuse of power. Tanzanians must rise to defend their rights, as the current government seems incapable of leading effectively,” Kimabi said, also condemning the sale of ports to foreigners and rampant corruption as key issues driving public discontent.
The situation remains fraught with tension as Chadema and the Tanzanian authorities continue their standoff. Amidst rising public demands for justice and accountability, the clash highlights deep-seated issues within the country’s political and social landscape.
Just two days earlier, on September 11, 2024, Chadema had escalated the conflict by issuing a blunt ultimatum to the government. The party demanded an explanation for the disappearance of its members, including prominent figures such as Deusdedith Soka and Secretary Jacob Mlay.
Chadema National Chairman Freeman Mbowe declared a deadline of September 21, 2024, for the government to account for the missing individuals. During a live-streamed meeting at the party's headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Mbowe expressed the party's resolve: “This issue must come to an end. Since they have refused to resolve it, we will compel them to do so. To achieve this, we must stand united, each of us supporting the other. We will defend every Chadema member whose blood is spilled with all our might.”
Mbowe’s remarks followed reports of the abduction of key party figures, who were allegedly seized by police under the pretense of tracking a stolen motorcycle. The party’s demands for accountability reflect growing frustration and anger over the government's handling of political dissent and human rights issues.
In a related development on August 30, 2024, Chadema faced allegations from the police of orchestrating a Zoom meeting to plan nationwide protests and assaults on police stations. Police spokesperson David Misime’s explosive claims have fueled further tension, with Freeman Mbowe vehemently rejecting the accusations as baseless. As the political climate in Tanzania becomes increasingly volatile, both the government and the opposition find themselves locked in a high-stakes battle over the future of the nation’s democracy and public safety.