Tanzania police issue stern warning ahead of planned December 9 protests

Tanzania's security forces have issued a stern warning against nationwide demonstrations planned for December 9. 

Government Spokesperson David Misime accused organisers of attempting to drag the country into chaos reminiscent of the unrest witnessed after the October 29 elections.

"Ni uhalifu mkubwa unaoendelea kuhamasishwa…ni tishio kubwa kwa uchumi wa nchi na masuala yote ya kijamii," Misime stated.

"Jeshi la polisi linaendelea kutekeleza jukumu la msingi la kuhakikisha usalama wa nchi."

The police stated that they have been monitoring organisers online and will crack down on anyone attempting to destabilise the country. 

However, former MP Ezekiah Wenje of the ruling CCM has called for calm ahead of the protests, saying: "Our people’s protests are anchored in our laws but peaceful demonstrations." 

The police warning comes just a day after President Suluhu Samia, in a national address, claimed that the October 29 protesters were financed by external forces, describing the unrest as an attempted coup, and defending the heavy-handed response of security agencies.

"If I could, I would send Tanzanian youths to different countries, even within Africa and in neighbouring states, to see what true hardship looks like, and then claim that Tanzania is a bad place," Suluhu stated. 

The news comes as pressure on Tanzania is growing with its relationship with the United States at risk after Washington issued a stark warning of possible action against the East African nation over human rights violation during the election violence.