How police thwarted opposition protests in Dar

Dar es Salaam. What was meant to be a day of protests by supporters of the opposition Chadema in Dar es Salaam ended peacefully on Monday after the Police Force foiled the plan.

On Sunday, Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe said “massive” demonstrations would be held in the city to pressure the government into providing details about the party’s members who were “missing”.

The demonstrations would also have been in response to the abduction and killing of Chadema cadre Ali Kibao in Dar es Salaam earlier this month.

Mr Mbowe said there would be two main demonstration routes – one from Ilala Boma to Mnazi Mmoja grounds and another from Magomeni Mapipa to Mnazi Mmoja.

But Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander Jumanne Muliro said on Monday that the planned demonstrations were illegal and any attempt to defy the ban would be met by swift and decisive action.

Speaking during a telephone interview on Wasafi FM’s morning programme, he said did not believe that the demonstrations would go ahead as planned.

Read: Tanzania police warns opposition: “Protest at your peril”

"If those who announced the protests attempt to proceed – I don't believe they will, but if they do – they will be dealt with in accordance with the law," Mr Muliro said, adding that no disruption had been reported in the city.

“Children are going to school as usual and people are going about their business. The situation is calm and there are no signs of protests anywhere,” he said.

Mr Muliro urged Dar es Salaam residents not to be fearful, adding that they should continue with their daily-routines.

“Children should attend classes, doctors should report to hospitals, and workers in both the public and private sectors should go to work as usual. The heightened security they may see is meant to protect them.”

Mr Muliro spoke as police put on a show of force in areas that Mr Mbowe had outlined as the main focal points for the planned demonstrations.

There was a heavy presence of riot police at Ilala Boma, Magomeni Mapipa, Buguruni and Mnazi Mmoja, among other areas.

In fact, Mr Mbowe was himself arrested as he was about to address the media at Magomeni.

He had just arrived in a small vehicle and began addressing the media when police arrested him.

Earlier, Chadema vice chairman (Tanzania Mainland) Tundu Lissu was arrested at his home in Tegeta, a few hours before the protests were scheduled to begin.

Chadema lawyer Hekima Mwasipu confirmed Mr Lissu's arrest and said he was taken to Mbweni Police Station.

14 arrested

Mr Muliro said that apart from Mr Mbowe and Mr Lissu, law enforcers were also holding 12 other people in connection with the banned demonstrations. Those in custody included Chadema Central Committee member Godbless Lema.

Mr Muliro dismissed rumours claiming that the individuals were abducted, saying they were being held as suspects and were being questioned for defying the order banning the planned protests.

“We wish to inform the public that these individuals have been arrested and are being questioned. Rumours to the effect that they have been abducted are false and should be ignored. They are being questioned in line with the law and we urge citizens not to panic and to continue with their activities without any fear,” he said.

In addition to Mr Mbowe, Mr Lissu and Mr Lema, others who were in police custody on Monday included Mr Peter Lazaro, Sheikh Omari Faki, Mr Revokatus Mlay, Mr Paul Musi, Mr Shaban Kinda, Mr Aboubakari Abaid and Mr Emmanuel Mtobi.

They were being questioned for allegedly encouraging others to participate in  “illegal” demonstrations.

Three journalists from Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) were also briefly detained before they were released after it was confirmed that they were media personnel on official duty.

Surveillance across Dar

In an effort to counter any potential surprises, the police extended their surveillance operations across the entire city of Dar es Salaam, well beyond the anticipated protest zones of Ilala Boma, Magomeni Mapipa, Buguruni and Mnazi Mmoja.

This proactive approach aimed to prevent any unexpected protests from spreading or gaining momentum in other areas.

Police officers were visible at numerous traffic junctions, and strategic entry points throughout the city.

Read: Tanzania police extend surveillance across Dar es Salaam to counter element of surprise

Private vehicles, especially those carrying multiple passengers, were subjected to stringent checks.

This heightened security presence contributed to a cautious atmosphere, even among residents who had no intention of participating in the protests.

Despite the heavy police presence, normal activities continued in most parts of Dar es Salaam.

Businesses remained open, and traffic flowed moderately.

While there were no immediate reports of arrests or confrontations, the mood in the city was palpably cautious.

The decision to extend surveillance citywide seemed to be a calculated move to prevent any attempts by protest organisers to regroup or launch demonstrations from alternate locations.

By establishing a visible presence across Dar es Salaam, police sought to pre-emptively neutralise any potential threats.

Mr Muliro had previously emphasised the need for law and order, particularly in response to unauthorised demonstrations.

His statements reflected the government's stance that any threat to public peace, whether at the centre of planned protests or in less monitored areas, would be swiftly and decisively countered.

The operations and surveillance seen on Monday went beyond merely responding to protest activities; they represented a comprehensive effort to ensure stability across all parts of Dar es Salaam.

By covering a wide expanse of the city, police made it clear that their aim was not just to handle the known protest zones but to anticipate and nullify any element of surprise that could arise from the fluid nature of protest movements.

Bad for businesses

A businessman who sells second-hand clothes who was identified by one name as Denis said though the protests were effectively contained, the situation was bad for businesses as some buyers found it risky to go to town and do their shopping.

He said his business suffered on Monday as only a handful buyers managed to visit her shop as some decided to remain at home and see what happens next.

“It’s our right”

A protester, Mr Gasper Francis, who was at the Ilala Boma area waiting for other protesters to come, said the protesting was a constitutional right that should not be thwarted by the police.

He questioned the government on how much money they have spent in tightening the security for three days continuously just to make sure the people don’t protest. He said if that money were to be meant for treat patients at the Muhimbili National Hospital, it would have made a huge difference.

“They are using our money from tax to tighten the security just to stop us from protesting peacefully. The police boss said they sensed that the protests would be disastrous on our peaceful coexistence but why are they not sensing ‘the unknowns’ who have been abducting and killing citizens?” Mr Francis queried.