Tanzania crackdown on planned protest leaves streets deserted

56 minutes agoAlfred LasteckBBC Africa, ArushaSecurity was tightened across Tanzania on Tuesday with police and military seen patrolling major cities ahead of anticipated anti-government protests called to coincide with independence day.By sunset, however, no major demonstrations had taken place.Residents in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza and several other urban centres reported an unusually slow start to the day, with many people choosing to remain indoors amid uncertainty over whether protests would happen.The demonstrations were called to demand political reforms in the wake of October's post-election unrest which left an unknown number of people dead.The authorities have admitted using force against protesters, claiming that some groups were attempting to overthrow the regime.On Tuesday, BBC reporters observed nearly empty streets in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This was a stark contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle. Although quiet, the atmosphere remained tense. In a statement, police spokesperson David Misime assured the public of their safety and the protection of their property, saying the situation remained calm nationwide. He also urged citizens to dismiss old photos and video clips circulating on social media that falsely suggest protests are taking place.Security vehicles were seen driving along major roads and intersections, while officers took up positions at strategic locations, including around key public infrastructure.Public transport stopped operating entirely, the AFP news agency reported.On social media, activists and campaigners urged supporters to stay alert, suggesting any demonstrations were unlikely to begin until the afternoon. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day."We will move out, it is our right to protest... I know police are everywhere in the town and even in the street where I live... we have plans so wait, you will see what will happen," a resident of Arusha told the BBC earlier on Tuesday."I am scared for my children, if these protests happen, it will create a bad atmosphere. Like now my husband is hospitalised, how am I going to attend to him? I feel protesters should call off plans to move to the streets, we need to live in peace," said a resident of Mwanza in northern Tanzania.Motorists who ventured out reported frequent checks at roadblocks, where officers questioned drivers about their destinations.The government has not issued detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the planned protests.Tanzanian authorities have banned the planned protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.Meanwhile, in neighbouring Kenya several activists were arrested on Tuesday as they were holding a solidarity protest outside the Tanzanian high commission in the capital, Nairobi.