Tanzania has called off its Independence Day celebrations scheduled for December 9, following calls for nationwide protests over alleged mass killings during last month’s disputed elections.
At least over 240 people were charged with treason after the protests, but the President later sought to ease tension and asked prosecutors to “show leniency” many of those charged have reportedly been released.
On Monday, while announcing the cancellation of celebrations, Prime minister NwIgulu Nchemba announced that funds meant for the event will instead be used to rebuild infrastructure damaged during election unrest.
Nchemba also called in Tanzania’ns to avoid further violence and seek political dialogue instead.
He appealed to Tanzanians to avoid violence and insisted on the importance of political dialogue.
“I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable”, he said.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan had score 98% of the vote, but critics labeled the poll a “mockery of democracy” after opposition leaders were barred from contesting.
Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan came into office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female President following the death of President John Magufuli.
She was initially praised for easing political repression, but the political space has since narrowed.
The government has yet to release an official death toll, though opposition figures claim that hundreds were killed.
However, a commission of inquiry has been set up to investigate the matter.
-9News Nigeria.
