Tanzania is heading into a tense week, and Washington is not taking chances. The United States has issued a sharp security alert ahead of nationwide anti-government demonstrations planned for Tuesday, December 9.
The warning paints a picture of a country on edge, where curfews, blocked roads, internet blackouts, and disrupted flights could leave both citizens and visitors stranded. With foreign nationals already reporting increased scrutiny from security agencies, the coming days could mark a defining moment for Tanzania’s political climate.
Tanzania Braces for Serious Security Risks Ahead of December 9 Protests
The upcoming Tanzania protests have triggered a rare and urgent advisory from the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam. In a statement released on Monday, December 1, the embassy warned travellers to brace for widespread disruptions.
The advisory hints at a volatile environment, shaped by the violent aftermath of the recent elections, which saw civilians killed, infrastructure destroyed, and harsh restrictions imposed on communication and movement.
The embassy’s message is clear. Anyone in Tanzania should expect difficulties that may stretch from city centres to airports and ferry terminals. Authorities may enforce nationwide curfews. Roads could be sealed off without notice. Internet services may go down entirely. Even travel to Zanzibar could be halted by sudden ferry cancellations.
The advisory also singles out a worrying trend. Foreign nationals have become targets of heightened surveillance. Security forces are reportedly searching electronic devices for signs of political content or links to unrest. This follows the government’s renewed warnings about sharing photos or videos that may “cause panic,” a vague definition that critics fear may be used to suppress legitimate communication.
The warning shows a level of unease rarely expressed by the US regarding Tanzania. It signals a diplomatic acknowledgement that the political atmosphere is unstable, the security forces are on high alert, and the public is gearing up for a confrontation that could spill across major towns.
Rising Tension Over Election Killings
At the centre of the Tanzania protests is public anger over killings that occurred during last month’s disputed elections. Hundreds reportedly died in clashes involving security officers and protesters. The opposition has dismissed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory as “a mockery of democracy,” alleging massive irregularities and violent suppression.
The memory of the October 29 crackdown remains fresh. Tear gas filled the streets, police fired on crowds, and communication lines flickered on and off as authorities tried to contain the unrest. The violence destroyed property and damaged key infrastructure, requiring immediate government intervention.
The US warning reflects fears that this upcoming protest wave could be even more explosive. The scale of grief and frustration is high, and opposition leaders are continuing to mobilise. For many Tanzanians, December 9 will not be a day of celebration but a day of reckoning.
Government Cancels Independence Day Amid Growing Pressure
December 9 was meant to be Independence Day, a national holiday steeped in history. Instead, the government has cancelled festivities and redirected the celebration budget to rebuild infrastructure damaged during the election chaos.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the cancellation, urging Tanzanians to avoid more turmoil. He appealed for unity, saying citizens should sit together and discuss their grievances rather than return to violence. His message is part of the administration’s broader attempt to calm tensions, but critics argue it is too little, too late.
Opposition leaders view the cancellation differently. They interpret it as a government that fears a public gathering could be overtaken by outrage. Many say the administration is trying to reduce visibility on a day that usually attracts national and international attention.
Foreign Nationals Face New Risks
The US alert also exposes a growing risk for foreigners during the Tanzania protests. The embassy warns that travellers may not receive full support during unrest because the situation could overwhelm consular operations. Visitors are advised to stock up on supplies, avoid protest areas, stay indoors after curfew hours, and confirm their flights by telephone before heading to any airport.
Reports indicate that police have been stopping people at roadblocks and checking their devices for political material. This has triggered concerns among diplomats and human rights organisations. The fear is that any foreigner carrying ordinary photos, news screenshots, or social media posts could be treated with suspicion.
With tensions building and global eyes watching, Tanzania faces a decisive moment. The coming protests may determine not just its political direction, but also its reputation on the world stage.
