Tanzania December 9 Protests: Sporadic Demonstrations Despite 116 Arrests and Military Deployment
Intelligence Brief | December 10, 2025
What Happened at Tanzania’s December 9 Protests
Small protests occurred in parts of Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha December 9, 2025 despite massive police and military crackdown. Reuters confirmed small protests began in Dar es Salaam whilst police disputed protest videos from Mwanza and Arusha. Most major cities remained largely deserted under security.
Gen-Z activists had called for nationwide demonstrations dubbed “D9” to protest President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s disputed 98% electoral victory and October violence that killed hundreds. The government banned protests December 3, arrested 116 people in Mwanza alone by December 6, and deployed police and military forces across cities.
December 9 marked Tanzania’s 64th Independence Day. The government cancelled official celebrations, directing funds to infrastructure repair instead.
Why Protests Were Limited
Pre-emptive arrests dismantled organizing capacity. Mwanza police detained 116 by December 6. Human Rights Watch documented at least 10 activists arrested nationwide since mid-November for social media posts about protests.
Overwhelming security deployment created psychological deterrence. Police and military patrolled with roadblocks and vehicle inspections. Prime Minister ordered workers home whilst public transport was suspended.
October massacre trauma deterred participation. Security forces killed hundreds to 1,000 civilians during October 29-November 2 protests. Opposition party Chadema claimed 1,000-2,000 deaths.