Overview
- Security forces including riot police and soldiers have been stationed across Dar es Salaam and authorities said they arrested dozens to prevent protests planned for July 7.
- The government has banned political gatherings and the army publicly warned it would act to safeguard order, with spokesperson Sylvester Mangure urging citizens to report organisers.
- Young campaigners had called the protests to press for electoral reform and the release of Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who has been held on treason charges since April 2025 and faces possible capital penalties.
- Many residents and opposition figures say fear of repeat violence is high because of last October's post-election killings, for which rights groups allege thousands of deaths while the government reports 518 and has not published a promised accountability report.
- The tight security has emptied key public areas and coincides with the SabaSaba trade fair, a move that rights groups say further narrows civic space and could deepen public mistrust and international concern.