Tanzania: Increased tensions ahead of nationwide protests April 26 /update 1

Event

A heavily-armed police presence has been deployed across Dodoma, Dar-es-Salam, Arusha, Stone Town, and Mwanza as of Thursday, April 26, in a bid to block anti-government protests called for by a Tanzanian social media activist based in the US. The protests - which coincide with Union Day (commemorating the unification of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar) - have, as with all opposition gatherings, been banned by authorities and President John Magufuli has warned citizens against taking part. The country's police chief has stated that those who do assemble will be "beaten like dogs." Nevertheless, activists have stated that the protests will go ahead as planned. Clashes with security forces are highly likely.

At least seven people involved in planning the demonstrations were arrested in Arusha on April 24. 

Context

Protesters are denouncing the perceived reduction of political freedoms and rise in human rights abuses.

The government has been accused of taking a number of steps to limit free speech and prevent public criticism. Opposition meetings and protests have been banned across the country indefinitely; those who defy the ban are usually arrested.

Advice

Individuals in Tanzania are advised to avoid all protests, maintain a low profile, and avoid talking about sensitive topics in public or on social media.

On a separate note, the majority of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the eastern province of Kigoma (along the Burundian border) due to an unstable political and health environment, as well as to the Rwandan border (Kagera province).