- Tanzania president Samia Suluhu announced the cancellation of the annual Independence Day celebrations
- The prime minister explained the reason behind the unexpected decision which came amid planned protests
- In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, a Tanzanian activist explained how Tanzanians view the Independence Day
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu has cancelled Tanzania’s annual Independence Day celebrations, usually held on December 9.
Source: Twitter
Tanzanians have observed the day since 1961 to mark the country’s independence from colonial rule.
Why did Samia Suluhu cancel Independence Day celebrations?
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that Suluhu directed that the funds earmarked for the celebrations would instead be redirected to rebuilding infrastructure damaged during recent protests.
“The president has ordered that on December 9 there will be no celebrations to honour Independence Day. The funds that were to be used will be directed toward repairing infrastructure that was destroyed. From today, all relevant sectors must coordinate to ensure the president’s directive is implemented quickly, restoring facilities such as health centres that serve Tanzanians. I urge young people, families, and communities to unite and ensure such unrest does not happen again. Let us all sit back, advise one another, and rebuild our country. The president has shown readiness to engage, and all government offices remain open to support this effort,” said Nchemba.
The cancellation comes just days after opposition groups announced plans to stage what they described as the ‘mother of all demonstrations‘ on Independence Day.
Organisers had written to various groups, including international organisations, informing them of the planned protests.
Tanzania faced unrest during the October 29 elections and in days which followed, resulting in widespread chaos, deaths, and injuries.
How many people were killed in Tanzania protests?
According to CHADEMA, the main opposition party, at least 2,000 people were killed. The accused the police of hiding evidence, claims that CNN confirmed after discovering mass graves in some regions.
Despite the reports, the government remained silent and has not released data on deaths and injuries during the unrest.
Some opposition leaders also insisted that no legitimate elections took place, as they were barred from participating, with some arrested and detained.
Are Tanzanians concerned after cancellation of Independence Day?
Speaking exclusively with TUKO.co.ke, activist Charles Odero claims the decision stemmed from security concerns related to upcoming demonstrations and the government’s propaganda, which sought to portray the administration as cost-conscious.
“There are two main issues. First, security—because young people are threatening to demonstrate on that day. Second, propaganda—to show that the government cares about reducing costs. Third, there is the threat that development partners may reduce or cut aid,” he said.
Odero further lamented that Independence Day festivities in Tanzania are largely seen as a government affair, with ordinary citizens showing little interest.
Unlike Kenya, where celebrations are even held at the county level, Odero revealed that Tanzania’s events are usually celebrations mainly take place in Dodoma or Dar es Salaam.
“Unfortunately, Independence Day celebrations here are mainly a government affair; ordinary citizens don’t really care about them. Our celebrations are usually centred in Dodoma or Dar es Salaam, unlike in Kenya where they also take place at the county level,” he added.
Will Tanzania struggle to secure international loans?
Meanwhile, Suluhu had admitted that the country’s ability to seek support was severely weakened by the protests.
Source: Twitter
She admitted that the unrest has damaged the country’s reputation for stability and could lead to economic hardship.
The president stated that the country’s tarnished image may complicate securing funding from international institutions and banks, which previously supported Tanzania readily due to its credibility and governance record.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
