Tanzania’s prime minister has urged citizens to stay home on Tuesday, December 9, as activists plan protests against the government’s handling of October elections.
The protests are expected to coincide with Tanzania’s independence day celebrations, which have been cancelled this year.
The United Nations has reported that hundreds of people were likely killed in protests following the elections, which were marred by allegations of violence and exclusion of opposition candidates.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the presidential poll with nearly 98% of votes.
The government has acknowledged fatalities but denies allegations of excessive force, attributing the violence to protesters seeking to overthrow the government.
Police have warned that any demonstrations on Tuesday will be illegal, and heavy deployments of security forces have been visible in major cities.
