Tanzania Crackdown on Scheduled Demonstration Leaves City Centers Deserted.
A significant security presence has been deployed throughout the country with officers and soldiers observed on patrol in major cities in anticipation of expected anti-government protests called to coincide with independence day.
Midday arrived without any sign of the planned demonstrations.
People living in several major urban centers reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over if the demonstrations would proceed.
The protests were organized to call for political reforms in the wake of the unrest that followed last October's elections which left an unknown number of people dead.
Authorities Admit Employing Force
Officials have conceded using force against protesters, claiming that certain elements aimed to topple the government.
On Tuesday, reporters observed streets that were largely deserted in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This stood in sharp contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle.
Although quiet, the atmosphere remained tense.
Heightened Security Across Cities
Security vehicles were seen driving along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while personnel were stationed at key points, including around important public buildings and facilities.
On social media, activists and campaigners urged supporters to stay alert, suggesting any demonstrations were unlikely to begin until the afternoon. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when participation grew as the day progressed.
Motorists who ventured out reported regular stops at security checkpoints, where police interrogated motorists about their destinations.
Official Position and Bans
Authorities have not provided specific statements on the increased security or on the scheduled demonstrations.
Tanzanian authorities have banned the planned protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.
"The prevailing mood is one of quiet tension as people choose to stay home."
The day's events painted a picture of a nation on edge, where the potential for demonstration resulted in a preemptive security lockdown that left conspicuously quiet normally bustling urban centers.
