Tanzania Crackdown on Planned Demonstration Leaves Streets Deserted.
A significant security presence has been deployed across Tanzania with police and military seen patrolling major cities ahead of expected anti-government protests called to coincide with independence day.
Midday arrived without any sign of the planned demonstrations.
People living in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza noted the day began with unusual quietness, with many people choosing to remain indoors amid uncertainty over if the demonstrations would proceed.
The demonstrations were called to demand political reforms following October's post-election unrest 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 nearly empty streets 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 Nationwide
Armored vehicles were spotted cruising along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while officers took up positions at strategic locations, including around important public buildings and facilities.
Through online platforms, organizers advised followers to remain vigilant, implying that any protest activity would likely commence later in the day. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day.
Motorists who ventured out reported regular stops at security checkpoints, where police interrogated motorists about their destinations.
Official Position and Bans
The government has not issued detailed comments on the increased security or on the scheduled demonstrations.
Tanzanian authorities have banned the planned protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, advising the public to remain at home.
"The prevailing mood is one of quiet tension as people choose to stay home."
The overall situation depicted a nation on edge, where the threat of protest resulted in a preemptive security lockdown that left conspicuously quiet typically busy urban centers.