DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The Tanzanian government has called on citizens to observe Independence Day celebrations at home, while only those providing essential services are required to report to work.
Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu made the announcement on Monday, relaying President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Independence Day greetings to the nation ahead of the December 9, 2025 celebrations.
“The government urges all citizens who have no emergency to spend the day resting and celebrating at home, apart from those whose work responsibilities require them to be at their designated workplaces,” Azzan said.
The advisory comes amid heightened public attention over plans by some groups to hold protests on Independence Day.
Tanzanian police have declared that any demonstrations on December 9 would be illegal.
In a statement released late Friday, police spokesperson David Misime said authorities had noted calls for protests circulating on social media but emphasized that “no identifiable person has so far submitted formal notification for the planned demonstrations.”
The police further stated that the proposed rallies “no longer meet the legal requirements to be authorised” due to “unlawful tactics” associated with the planning.
“Therefore, the Police Force, as of today, bans the planned demonstrations described as peaceful and indefinite,” Misime said.
Independence Day marks Tanzania’s freedom from colonial rule and is traditionally celebrated with national events, parades, and public gatherings.
This year’s observance is expected to be subdued, focusing on home celebrations in line with government guidelines.
