Tanzania Security Clampdown on Planned Protest Leaves City Centers Unusually Quiet.
Security has been tightened throughout the country with police and military seen patrolling key urban areas ahead of expected demonstrations against the government scheduled for the nation's independence anniversary.
As of noon, however, no protests had materialized.
People living in several major urban centers reported an unusually slow start to the day, with a large number opting to stay home amid uncertainty over whether protests would happen.
The protests were organized to call for political reforms in the wake of the unrest that followed last October's elections which resulted in an unconfirmed death toll.
Authorities Admit Employing Force
The authorities have admitted using force against protesters, asserting that certain elements aimed to topple the government.
On Tuesday, reporters observed nearly empty streets in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This stood in sharp contrast to the city's typical weekday activity.
The quiet was undercut by a persistent sense of tension.
Heightened Security Nationwide
Armored vehicles were spotted cruising along primary thoroughfares and junctions, while personnel were stationed at key points, particularly near key public infrastructure.
Through online platforms, organizers advised supporters to stay alert, implying that any protest activity would likely commence later in the day. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when participation grew as the day progressed.
Drivers who went out experienced regular stops at security checkpoints, where officers questioned drivers about where they were headed.
Government Stance and Bans
Authorities have not provided detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the scheduled demonstrations.
Tanzanian authorities have banned the intended demonstrations and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.
"With many staying at home the atmosphere is quiet but tense."
The overall situation painted a picture of a nation on edge, where the potential for demonstration resulted in a security clampdown in advance that effectively emptied typically busy cities.