Tanzania's Opposition Demo: Low Turnout and Arrests, What's Next for Chadema?

Tanzania's main opposition party CHADEMA's chairman Freeman Mbowe is detained by Tanzania police during the protests to condemn a series of kidnappings and murders within the Magomeni area of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, September 23, 2024.

Yesterday's planned demonstration by Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema in Dar es Salaam was effectively thwarted by a heavy police presence and the arrest of key opposition leaders. This event marks a significant moment in Tanzania's evolving political landscape under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's leadership.

Background and Lead-up to the Demonstration

Chadema, Tanzania's leading opposition party, had called for a peaceful demonstration on Monday, September 23, 2024, to protest against alleged abductions and killings of government critics. The party's chairman, Freeman Mbowe, announced the planned protest on September 11, urging Dar es Salaam residents, party members, and supporters to take to the streets.

The demonstration was intended to pressure the government to provide details about party members who have reportedly gone missing. It also followed the abduction and subsequent killing of Ally Mohamed Kibao, a member of Chadema's secretariat, whose body was found in the Ununio area of Dar es Salaam.

Despite Chadema informing the police about the planned demonstrations, authorities banned the event. Police spokesperson David Misime announced on September 13 that the demonstrations were prohibited, citing the need to maintain ongoing investigations as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Police Crackdown and Arrests