Police ban CHADEMA’s planned protests in Dar

KILIMANJARO: THE Tanzanian Police Force has banned the opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) from proceeding with their planned nationwide protests scheduled for September 23 in Dar es Salaam.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime announced the ban during a press conference at the Police Training Academy in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

“The Police Force warns CHADEMA leaders of Dar es Salaam, as well as party members and supporters, to participate in these illegal activities.

Anyone found protesting will face legal consequences,” DCP Misime said.

DCP Misime further cautioned that individuals participating in the protests would be subject to legal action and urged citizens not to be misled or coerced into joining.

He questioned the timing of the protests, noting that investigations into the recent murder of CHADEMA leader Mohamed Ali Kibao are still ongoing, as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“The Police Force is prohibiting anyone who has been invited or directed to come to Dar es Salaam for these demonstrations.

These demonstrations are illegal and will not take place, so people should not waste their time or resources,” DCP Misime added.

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He advised peace loving citizens to resist any attempts to deceive or coerce them into participating in the protests.

“We are scrutinising and monitoring why there is a push to divert attention from the ongoing investigation, following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to the investigative agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry and report back to her.”

DCP Misime noted that on September 11, 2024, CHADEMA leaders, including party Chairperson Freeman Mbowe, publicly encouraged Dar es Salaam residents to join the protests starting September 23.

He also mentioned that these leaders have been urging citizens from various regions to come to Dar es Salaam to participate.

“Let it be noted that CHADEMA leaders and their supporters have repeatedly organized protests aimed at disrupting national peace for reasons that remain unclear,” DCP Misime stated.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently demanded a comprehensive investigation into the murder of CHADEMA leader Mohamed Ali Kibao.

In a brief statement on her official X handle, she said, “I have instructed the investigative authorities to provide a detailed report on this grave incident and any similar occurrences as soon as possible.

Our country is democratic, and every citizen has the right to live.

My government does not tolerate such acts of brutality.”