Chadema insists on demos amid tight security as leaders call for dialogue

Dar es Salaam. The chairman of Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, Freeman Mbowe, has reaffirmed the party's intention to proceed with its planned demonstrations on Monday, September 23, despite heightened police presence and calls for dialogue from various democracy advocates.

Mr Mbowe said on Sunday, September 22, that the protests would be peaceful, aimed at memorialising leaders who have either disappeared or been killed under suspicious circumstances.

He said the party has informed the police about the planned demonstrations but has yet to receive an official response.

On September 11, Mr Mbowe called upon Dar es Salaam residents, party members, and supporters to join demonstrations on September 23, aimed at pressuring the government to disclose information about Chadema members who have been killed or gone missing.

This call followed the abduction and subsequent discovery of the body of Ally Mohamed Kibao, a member of Chadema's secretariat, who was kidnapped in broad daylight while travelling on a bus to Tanga and later found dead in the Ununio area of Dar es Salaam.

"We are moving forward with the protests to demand accountability and answers regarding the fate of our missing members," Mr Mbowe said, reiterating his September 11, 2024, call for Dar es Salaam residents, party members, and supporters to participate in the demonstrations starting on September 23.

Police Response

However, on September 13, 2024, the Police Force, through its spokesperson David Misime, announced a ban on the planned demonstrations.

Speaking at the Police Training College in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Misime said the decision to prohibit the protests was made to maintain calm and give time for investigations as directed from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“The police have advised party leaders to cease mobilising the public for what has been classified as illegal activity,” Mr Misime said.

Undeterred, Mr Mbowe reiterated on Sunday, via X Spaces, his call for Tanzanians—whether Chadema members or not—to join the demonstrations, starting at 9 AM.

He demanded an independent investigation by Scotland Yard, expressing concerns over the potential involvement of local authorities in the cases of the missing leaders.

Additionally, he called for the resignation of Minister of Home Affairs Hamad Masauni and other top security officials.

Calls for dialogue

Political analysts and other stakeholders have urged both Chadema and the government to engage in dialogue, warning that protests could lead to unintended consequences.

A political science expert, Prof Ambrose Kessy, acknowledged that while peaceful demonstrations are a legitimate avenue for expressing grievances, they often disrupt daily lives and should be considered a last resort.

"Protests can disrupt travel and close businesses, and although they are a constitutional right, they should be a last resort after exhausting other options," he stated.

Prof Kessy recommended that Chadema and the government engage in discussions with the mediation of neutral parties such as religious leaders and retired statesmen.

He emphasised that dialogue could prevent misunderstandings that might arise from different interpretations of protest messages.

Similarly, ACT-Wazalendo's Party Leader, Dorothy Semu, called for both Chadema and the government to foster an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue.

She urged Chadema to postpone the demonstrations and appealed to the government to de-escalate tensions.

“We ask Chadema to delay their protests, and we urge the government and police to take steps to calm the situation. This will help pave the way for genuine discussions that address the concerns raised by both parties,” Ms Semu stated.

She further emphasised the availability of wise and experienced individuals, such as religious leaders, who could play a crucial role in mediating between the two sides.

Former Prime Minister, Joseph Warioba, also stressed the importance of dialogue, particularly as Tanzania approaches the election period.

Speaking at a Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) meeting in Dar es Salaam last week, Mr Warioba expressed concern over the lack of communication between conflicting parties, warning that without dialogue, the country could face unrest similar to events from 2001.

"We have many problems, but we are not talking to each other. Everyone uses their authority instead of consulting, and this only worsens the issue," he noted.

Heavy police presence

Amid rising tensions, police in Dar es Salaam have heightened security since Friday, with armed police conducting regular patrols across the city.

In addition to routine patrol vehicles, members of the Field Force Unit (FFU) were spotted in various locations, accompanied by water cannon trucks.

Police vehicles were seen stationed in areas such as Ubungo, where they alternated between patrolling and returning to their base.

Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, described the patrols as standard security protocols when questioned about the heightened presence.

Mr Mbowe clarified that the demonstrations would take place along two routes: one from Ilala Boma to Mnazi Mmoja grounds and the other from Magomeni Mapipa to Mnazi Mmoja.

He emphasised that the protests were intended to be peaceful, with no intention of confronting anyone or carrying weapons.

He urged the government to respect the rights of citizens and protect the demonstrations, rather than suppress them. 

“Our demonstrations are peaceful, and we do not plan to carry any weapons or provoke anyone. We hope the government will respect our constitutional rights and protect the demonstrations rather than suppress them," Mr Mbowe concluded.