Tanzania has cancelled next month's independence day celebrations, with funds to be spent on rebuilding infrastructure damaged in recent election unrest, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced.
This announcement comes as the opposition and others have been calling for people to gather on independence day - 9 December - to demonstrate about killings that took place following last month's disputed poll.
The opposition believes hundreds died in the crackdown. The government has yet to disclose a death toll and has established a commission of inquiry.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured victory in the election with 98% of the votes, a result criticized by the opposition as a mockery of democracy. Her main opponents were barred from contesting; Tundu Lissu remains detained on treason charges, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was dismissed on technical grounds.
Reports by election observers indicate that vote manipulation occurred, and the overall conduct was below democratic standards. The government imposed an internet blackout for five days following election day and threatened individuals from sharing photographs of the protests.
Graphic footage of victims from the unrest has spread online, prompting the government to counter that such portrayals are attempts to tarnish Tanzania's image, maintaining that the country is secure.
On Sunday, government spokesman Gerson Msigwa stated the inquiry commission would clarify what transpired. However, there are concerns regarding its independence. Approximately 240 individuals face treason charges resulting from the protests, although some have been released following the president's call for leniency.
Nchemba's announcement also included a plea for Tanzanians to avoid violence and engage in political dialogue, stressing the need to collectively address the nation's challenges to prevent returning to previous unrest.
President Samia, who took office in 2021 as the first female president of Tanzania after the death of John Magufuli, was initially viewed favorably for easing political oppression, though the current political environment appears to be tightening.
