Tanzanian police have prohibited a planned protest by the main opposition party, Chadema, against recent killings and abductions of its members.
The decision comes despite hopes of increased democratic freedoms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Chadema had called for a mass rally in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam on September 23 to demand investigations into the disappearances and the return of missing members.
However, police spokesperson David Misime declared the protest banned, warning of strict consequences for any violations.
The recent crackdown, including the mass arrest of Chadema leaders and supporters, has raised fears of renewed repression in Tanzania.
Chadema accuses the authorities of being behind the killings and abductions, citing the death of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a party official found beaten and doused with acid.
Despite the ban, Chadema has vowed to proceed with the protest, arguing that the police spokesperson lacks the authority to issue such a prohibition.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi has blamed the abductions on a criminal gang and urged Chadema not to participate in the protest.
The Tanganyika Law Society has documented 83 cases of kidnappings and disappearances between 2016 and 2024, raising concerns about the safety of individuals in Tanzania.
The US embassy has called for an independent investigation into Kibao’s death.