Tanzania Crackdown on Planned Protest Results in City Centers Unusually Quiet.
Security has been tightened across Tanzania with police and military seen patrolling key urban areas ahead of anticipated anti-government protests called to coincide with the nation's independence anniversary.
Midday arrived without any sign of the planned demonstrations.
People living in several major urban centers noted the day began with unusual quietness, with a large number opting to stay home due to doubts about whether protests would happen.
The demonstrations were called to call for changes to the political system in the wake of October's post-election unrest which left an unknown number of people dead.
Authorities Admit Use of Force
The authorities have admitted using force against protesters, asserting that certain elements aimed to topple the government.
Correspondents noted on Tuesday streets that were largely deserted in the business hub, Dar es Salaam. This was a stark contrast to the city's typical weekday activity.
While quiet, a palpable tension filled the air.
Increased Police Presence Nationwide
Armored vehicles were spotted cruising along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while personnel were stationed at strategic locations, including around important public buildings and facilities.
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 past mobilization efforts in the country, when turnout increased later in the day.
Motorists who ventured out reported regular stops at security checkpoints, where police interrogated motorists about their destinations.
Official Position and Prohibitions
The government has not issued detailed comments on the increased security or on the scheduled demonstrations.
Tanzanian authorities have banned the planned protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.
"The prevailing mood is one of quiet tension as people choose to stay home."
The day's events painted a picture of a nation on edge, where the threat of protest led to a preemptive security lockdown that left conspicuously quiet typically busy urban centers.
