The government of Tanzania has called on citizens to celebrate this year’s Independence Day from home, asking only essential workers to report to duty on December 9, 2025.
Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu delivered the message on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. In her greetings, President Suluhu wished all Tanzanians a happy Independence Day and encouraged them to spend the day resting with their families.
Zungu explained that only people with emergencies or those whose jobs require them to be on duty should leave their homes. He emphasized that there is no need for the public to gather unless it is work-related.
This announcement comes at a time when plans for public protests had begun circulating on social media. The police have already declared the proposed demonstrations illegal.
According to Police spokesperson David Misime, no individual or group had formally notified authorities about the planned protests, as required by law. He added that the tactics being promoted online do not meet legal guidelines for peaceful assembly.
Because of these concerns, the police officially banned the demonstrations, warning that any attempts to protest on Independence Day would be unlawful.
As the country prepares to mark its national holiday, the government is urging calm, safety, and peaceful celebration from home.
