Tanzania is approaching a week filled with fear and uncertainty as the country prepares for major anti-government protests set for Tuesday, December 9. The United States has already sounded the alarm, issuing a strong security alert that paints a troubling picture of what lies ahead.
According to the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam, anyone in Tanzania should be ready for serious disruptions that could affect movement, communication and general safety.
This warning suggests that the situation on the ground is tense and that the coming days may define the country’s political future.
The advisory released by the embassy describes a country where normal life could be interrupted at any moment. It warns that authorities may impose a nationwide curfew, close major roads without any notice, and even shut down internet services.
Travellers may find themselves stranded as flights face last-minute cancellations and ferry services to Zanzibar become unreliable. These possibilities have already created anxiety among citizens and foreigners, many of whom are preparing for unexpected challenges.
Another concerning issue raised in the advisory is the treatment of foreign nationals. Reports show an increase in surveillance by security agencies, with officers allegedly checking phones and laptops for political content or anything viewed as threatening to state stability.
The government has also issued warnings against sharing photos or videos that could “cause panic”, a definition critics fear could be used to silence legitimate communication. For many observers, this growing suspicion toward foreigners signals deeper insecurity within the state.
The reason behind this heightened tension is rooted in the aftermath of the recent elections.
Last month’s polls were marred by violence, with hundreds of people reportedly killed during confrontations between protesters and security forces.
Opposition parties have rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory, describing the election as deeply flawed and filled with irregularities.
They insist that the government used force to silence dissent, leaving grief and anger across the country.
Memories of the October 29 clashes remain vivid. Streets were filled with tear gas, police opened fire on crowds, and communication systems were disrupted. Property was destroyed and infrastructure badly damaged.
These events left the public shaken, and many fear that the December 9 protests could explode with even greater force.
Opposition leaders continue to mobilise their supporters, insisting that Tanzanians must not remain silent in the face of injustice. For many, the day will not represent national pride but a chance to speak out.
The government has responded by cancelling this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that the funds meant for the festivities would instead be used to repair damaged infrastructure. He appealed for calm and encouraged citizens to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than more violence.
Some Tanzanians see this as an attempt to lower tensions, but others believe the government wants to avoid large gatherings that could easily turn into protests.
Foreigners also face increasing risks as the situation unfolds. The US Embassy has warned visitors that consular support may be limited during widespread unrest. Travellers are being urged to stay indoors after curfew, avoid crowded areas, stock up on essential supplies and call airlines before heading to airports.
With police reportedly checking devices at roadblocks, diplomats and human rights groups worry that even ordinary photos or saved news articles could place visitors under suspicion.
Tanzania finds itself at a critical turning point. The upcoming protests could shape not only the country’s political direction but also its image internationally.
For citizens and foreigners alike, the days ahead are filled with uncertainty, and the outcome of December 9 may echo far beyond the nation’s borders.
