Tanzanian police declared a prohibition on a scheduled assembly of the main opposition party Chadema's youth wing on Sunday, alleging that the group was plotting violent protests. Chadema's youth division had previously stated that approximately 10,000 young people were anticipated to convene in the southwestern city of Mbeya to commemorate International Youth Day on Monday with the theme "Take charge of your future". However, Awadh Haji, the police chief responsible for operations and training, asserted that there were "clear indications that their objective is not to celebrate International Youth Day but to instigate and participate in violence". He alluded to the "youth of Kenya", likely referencing the recent anti-government demonstrations in the neighboring East African nation predominantly led by young Kenyans.
Haji announced that "police have decided to ban any form of internal and public gathering or demonstrations which go under the name of marking the youth day", cautioning that such actions would disrupt peace. Chadema representatives denounced the decision and appealed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to intervene, accusing the police of obstructing party convoys en route to Mbeya and carrying out arrests. Since assuming office in 2021 following the abrupt demise of President John Magufuli, Hassan has distanced herself from her predecessor's authoritarian tactics and initiated political reforms, such as easing constraints on the media and opposition. In January 2023, she lifted a ban on opposition rallies enforced in 2016 by Magufuli, in a gesture towards political adversaries advocating for the revival of democratic practices.
Chadema deputy chairman Tundu Lissu criticized on X, formerly Twitter, "President Samia, don't bring Magufuli's strange ways. International Youth Day is celebrated globally. Why are your police blocking Chadema youth on the road and arresting them?" He pledged that Monday's event would proceed. "This is not a time to stay silent, be afraid, or just talk. It's a time to stand up and be counted. Let's raise our voices with all our strength!" Lissu, a former presidential candidate, had returned to Tanzania shortly after Hassan lifted the ban, concluding five years mostly spent in exile following a 2017 assassination attempt. In March 2022, Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe was released seven months after his arrest just hours before the party was set to conduct a public forum demanding constitutional reforms.
Chadema's secretary general John Mnyika also urged Hassan and the police to "stop illegal actions". "These blockades and arrests are against political rights and show disrespect to the reforms you claim to stand for," Mnyika posted on X. Tanzania is slated to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections later next year.
