Tanzania police defend decision to block Chadema protest amid criticism

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian police has defended its decision to block demonstrations planned by the opposition party Chadema this week after criticism from legal experts and politicians.

Activists and some lawyers condemned the blocking of the protest and arrest of the opposition leaders.

The Legal and Human Rights Centre LHRC called upon the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting citizens when they peacefully exercise their constitutional rights, and to “immediately release political party leaders who were arrested without clear charges.”

The president of the Tanganyika Law Society, Mr Boniphace Mwabukusi, argued that the police are overstepping their authority by banning demonstrations instead of ensuring they are conducted peacefully.

He also argued that the police did not provide legal basis for the ban.

However, police spokesperson David Misime said in a statement on Thursday September 26, 2024 that they have a responsibility to maintain public order.

He cited the Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act (Revised 2002), which empowers them to protect the national peace.

"Our role is to safeguard the country’s peace and ensure public safety, as stipulated by law," he stated.

He said blocking of Chadema’s planned demonstrations was lawful as they are authorised to intervene when public safety is at risk.

"If a demonstration or meeting is likely to disturb the peace or threaten public safety, the police have the right to issue a prohibition," reads part of the statement.

The statement further expkained that the decision to ban Chadema’s demonstration was based on remarks from the party leaders and supporters that signaled unrest.

"There were clear signs that the statements made by some party leaders could lead to unrest," he stated.

He acknowledged that demonstrating and public assembly are constitutional right but argued that they should happen within the framework of public safety and security.

"No right comes without responsibility," he said.

Mr Misime said the political parties blocked from protesting have a right to appeal to the Minister for Home Affairs, adding that the law enforcers were determined to prevent any threats to public order.

"We will not wait for a fire to break out when we can control smoke,” he said.

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and his vice for mainland Tundu Lissu were among those who were arrested on Monday before the planned protest against alleged killings and abductions of government critics.

They were released on bail late hours.