Tanzania has cancelled its national Independence Day celebrations scheduled for 9 December, redirecting the funds to rebuilding infrastructure damaged during violent unrest linked to last month’s disputed elections. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on Monday.

The move comes amid escalating political tensions, with the opposition and activists urging Tanzanians to use the independence holiday as a day of mass demonstrations to protest alleged killings following the election.

Opposition leaders claim that hundreds of civilians lost their lives in a security crackdown that followed the contentious 29 October vote. The government has not released an official death toll but has established a commission of inquiry to investigate.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory with 98% of the vote—a result the opposition has rejected :

• Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges, which he denies

• Luhaga Mpina’s candidacy was invalidated on technical grounds

Election monitoring groups have raised serious concerns, reporting signs of manipulation and non-compliance with democratic standards.

Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa said the inquiry commission will uncover what happened. However, civil society groups and rights organizations say they doubt the commission’s independence and ability to deliver impartial findings.

At least 240 people were charged with treason during the protests. President Samia later directed prosecutors to “show leniency,” resulting in many detainees being released.

In announcing the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Nchemba urged the public to choose peace over confrontation.

“I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us. Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable,” he said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, came to power in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli. She was initially praised for political reforms and opening democratic space. However, critics say the government has grown increasingly intolerant of dissent, with shrinking space for political opposition.

As the inquiry begins and tensions simmer, Tanzania’s political future remains uncertain, with calls for dialogue and accountability growing louder both at home and abroad.