Tanzanian police announced a ban on a planned youth gathering by the main opposition party, Chadema, in Mbeya, accusing them of intending to incite violence rather than celebrating International Youth Day on August 12.
Chadema’s youth wing had planned to bring about 10,000 young people together in Mbeya on August 12 to mark the occasion under the theme “Take charge of your future.”
Police Chief Awadh Haji in a statement on Sunday, said the ban was based on evidence suggesting the gathering was intended to cause unrest, referring to recent anti-government demonstrations in neighbouring Kenya as a possible influence.
Haji warned that such gatherings could lead to a breach of peace.
“Police have decided to ban any form of internal and public gathering or demonstrations which go under the name of marking the youth day,” he said.
Chadema officials condemned the ban and accused the police of obstructing their preparations by blocking convoys heading to Mbeya and making arrests. They called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to intervene.
Since taking office in 2021, Hassan has moved away from the previous administration’s restrictive policies, lifting some media and opposition restrictions, including a ban on opposition rallies.
Despite this, Chadema faced police blockades and arrests of their members, with over 100 detained as they travelled to Mbeya.
The party’s Vice Chairperson, Moza Ally, criticised the police for treating Chadema’s youth differently from the ruling party’s celebration in Zanzibar, where no such restrictions were imposed.
The police cited a statement by Chadema youth leader Twaha Mwaipaya, which they interpreted as inciting disruption, as the reason for the ban.
Mwaipaya’s statement had suggested that the youth gathering would be a platform to address political issues and demand changes ahead of upcoming elections.
Chadema’s Deputy Chairman, Tundu Lissu, vowed that the event would proceed despite the police actions and expressed readiness to face arrest if necessary.
This situation marks the third consecutive year Chadema has faced issues with organising their designated Youth Day celebrations, which have previously been held in Mwanza and Shinyanga.