
Tanzanian police have banned the main opposition party, Chadema, from holding a planned protest in Dar es Salaam on September 23.
The rally was intended to address recent killings and abductions of party members.
Police spokesperson David Misime announced the ban on Friday and warned that authorities would take action against anyone violating the order.
This decision comes amid growing concerns about political repression in Tanzania.
Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, there were hopes for greater democratic freedoms after the rollback of previous restrictions.
However, recent events, including the mass arrest of Chadema leaders, have raised fears of renewed authoritarianism.
Chadema alleges that government forces are responsible for the deaths and disappearances, including that of party member Ali Mohamed Kibao, who was found dead after being tortured.
Chadema spokesman John Mrema criticized the police ban and vowed to proceed with the protest, accusing the police of being involved in the violence.
Emmanuel Nchimbi from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party attributed the abductions to criminal gangs and urged Chadema to reconsider their protest plans.
The Tanganyika Law Society reported 83 kidnappings or disappearances from 2016 to 2024.
The US embassy has called for an independent investigation into Kibao’s death.