Tanzania Cancels 9 December Independence Day Celebrations
Tanzania will not hold its traditional 9 December Independence Day commemorations this year, after Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that the celebration budget has been diverted to repair infrastructure damaged during last month’s post-election unrest.
The decision comes amid heightened political tension, with opposition groups indicating they intended to stage nationwide demonstrations on the same day. They continue to accuse the state of withholding the true number of people killed during the clashes that erupted after the disputed polls. While they allege the fatalities run into the hundreds, the government has yet to release an official figure. An inquiry has been launched to investigate the violence, though its independence has already drawn scrutiny.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory with 98% of the vote, but several prominent opposition contenders were excluded from the race. International observers later raised concerns about irregularities and signs of manipulation during the electoral process.
In the wake of the turmoil, a coalition of lawyers and human rights organisations has petitioned the International Criminal Court to probe alleged crimes against humanity, including reported mass killings and secret burials.
Nchemba has meanwhile called on Tanzanians to focus on unity rather than division.
“Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable,” he cautioned.
