The demonstrations, organised largely by youth activists, coincide with the 72nd anniversary of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and are calling for democratic reforms and the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Army spokesperson Sylvester Mangure warned that the government would not tolerate the protests, accusing unnamed individuals of falsely claiming military support to recruit participants. He urged citizens to report anyone organising demonstrations, saying security agencies would act against those disrupting public order.
Security has been reinforced across Dar es Salaam, with police and soldiers stationed on major roads and in public spaces. Police spokesperson David Misime said authorities had stepped up operations against groups allegedly mobilising protesters through social media.
Political tensions have remained high since the disputed October election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected after an opposition boycott. The unrest that followed reportedly claimed more than 500 lives, according to a government-appointed committee, although opposition groups dispute the official toll.
