Police tighten security in Dar es Salaam ahead of planned protests

Dar es Salaam. Police have ramped up security patrols across Dar es Salaam, with armed officers conducting rounds that have surprised residents.

The heightened security, which started on Friday September 20, 2024, comes ahead of demonstrations planned by the opposition party, Chadema, set for Monday, September 23, 2024.

READ: Tanzanian police ban Chadema's demonstrations amid concerns over missing persons

In addition to regular patrol vehicles, officers from the Field Force Unit (FFU) were seen in different areas accompanied by water cannon trucks.

Some residents were surprised by the increased police presence, associating it with the planned protests.

Witnesses said that police vehicles have been stationed in Ubungo, where they parked for a while before heading out for patrols in other areas, later returning to their original spot.

"At first, they were parked at the road junction, but now they've moved to the side. We've been here with the FFU officers since morning," said a local vendor operating near the Ubungo junction.

Chadema announced the demonstrations as a protest against abductions and killings, including those of its members.

Despite the police ban on the protests, Chadema has insisted the demonstrations will proceed.

The party's Coast Zone information officer, Mr Gerva Lyenda, confirmed that Chadema had submitted a formal letter notifying the police about the protests.

Increased patrols have been particularly noticeable at the Kijazi Flyover in Ubungo, where officers have been stationed since early morning.

The security presence extends to areas such as Mbezi and the Magufuli Bus Terminal, with patrols covering Mandela Road, from Buguruni to Ubungo. Police have also been seen in Mbagala.

‘Normal patrol’

When asked about the heightened police presence, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro said that the increased security is part of routine police operations.

“We aim to extend this security system to the ward level. It’s how we ensure safety—bringing it directly to the people,” he said.

He also wondered how people get worried by the presence of law enforcers who are responsible of protecting people and their properties.

“Perhaps only criminals are afraid. Are good citizens afraid of the police? Most of the calls I’ve received from the public are positive. So who’s scared? In my criminology studies, I learned that those who are fearful are often criminals,” said Mr Muliro.

When asked how long the patrols would continue, Mr Muliro said it is a regular operation.

“People have been praising it for the past two weeks. We want to ensure that all wards receive adequate security services. Many wards already have police officers, and in some cases, motorcycles. But when vehicles are deployed, the situation becomes even better,” he said.

When asked whether the patrols were related to Chadema’s planned protests, Commander Muliro reaffirmed that the police had already made their position clear.

“Since the protests were announced, the police have publicly stated that the demonstrations are banned,” he said.

“If Chadema has its own position, that’s their matter. Our priority is ensuring that all law-abiding citizens and those conducting legitimate activities remain safe. Enhancing security is simply part of that commitment.”