Tanzania Crackdown on Planned Protest Leaves Streets Unusually Quiet.
Security has been tightened across Tanzania with officers and soldiers observed on patrol in major cities in anticipation of expected demonstrations against the government scheduled for independence day.
As of noon, however, no protests had materialized.
People living in several major urban centers reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over if the demonstrations would proceed.
The protests were organized to demand changes to the political system following October's post-election unrest which left an unknown number of people dead.
Government Acknowledges Employing Force
The authorities have admitted using force against protesters, asserting that some groups were attempting to overthrow the regime.
On Tuesday, reporters observed nearly empty streets in the business hub, Dar es Salaam. This stood in sharp contrast to the city's typical weekday activity.
While quiet, a palpable tension filled the air.
Heightened Security Nationwide
Armored vehicles were spotted cruising along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while officers took up positions at strategic locations, particularly near key public infrastructure.
On social media, activists and campaigners urged supporters to stay alert, implying that any protest activity would likely commence later in the day. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day.
Motorists who ventured out reported regular stops at security checkpoints, where police interrogated motorists about where they were headed.
Official Position and Bans
The government has not issued detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations.
The government has prohibited the planned protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.
"With many staying at home the atmosphere is quiet but tense."
The day's events depicted a country under strain, where the threat of protest led to a security clampdown in advance that effectively emptied typically busy cities.