DODOMA: TANZANIA’S political parties and other groups have been cleared to resume public meetings after the Police Force announced that it would once again receive notices for gatherings, ending a period of restrictions linked to security concerns.
The decision has been welcomed by political analysts and stakeholders as an important step towards restoring political engagement, while they urged organisers and participants to ensure that public activities remain peaceful and comply with the law.
In a statement issued yesterday, Police Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime said organisers of public meetings should continue submitting notices to District Police Commanders as required under existing procedures.
He said the decision followed an improvement in the security environment after law enforcement agencies disrupted what they described as plans by some individuals to organise unlawful demonstrations and other criminal activities.
According to the Police, investigations uncovered alleged plans to attack citizens, burn schools, damage Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) infrastructure, block roads and disarm police officers.
The Force said the alleged activities were coordinated through physical meetings involving some youth groups, while social media platforms were used to circulate messages and organise online discussions.
Several suspects were arrested on July 9, with some already appearing in court, while investigations and efforts to locate other suspects are continuing.
DCP Misime thanked members of the public for cooperating with security agencies by reporting and rejecting the alleged activities, saying their support contributed to restoring stability.
“The cooperation shown by wananchi in rejecting these criminal acts gives us confidence to say that the country’s security situation is now stable,” he said.
He said that during the period when security concerns were being addressed, the Police continued receiving notifications from political parties and some Members of Parliament seeking to hold public meetings in different areas.
However, after consultations with organisers, some gatherings were postponed because of the prevailing security situation at the time.
“As the institution mandated to maintain security during public gatherings, we engaged the organisers and advised them to postpone the meetings due to the prevailing security concerns at the time,” said DCP Misime.
The decision to allow public meetings to resume places renewed attention on the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional freedoms, including citizens’ right to participate in political activities.
Political analyst Hamiduni Maliseli said the resumption of meetings was a positive development because political gatherings provide an important platform for parties to engage with citizens and explain their policies.
“It is a good thing that political meetings have been allowed to continue because political parties and their activities are healthy for democracy and the development of the country,” he said.
Mr Maliseli, however, urged political parties and their supporters to use the opportunity responsibly and follow laws governing public gatherings.
He said democratic freedoms must operate alongside respect for institutions responsible for maintaining peace and security.
“Democracy must take its place, but we must also understand that there are other stakeholders who are required to operate according to the law, regulations and procedures of the country,” he said.
Kenya’s private sector slips into contraction as Middle East fallout weighs
University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer and political analyst Samwel Marwa said public meetings are an important link between political leaders and citizens because they allow parties to communicate directly with communities.
He said the Police should facilitate lawful gatherings while taking action against individuals who threaten public safety.
“The decision by the Police Force is a good step, but it should ensure that these meetings continue to take place in a peaceful and stable environment where citizens can exercise their rights,” he said.
Mr Marwa said maintaining security during political activities should focus on addressing specific threats rather than limiting lawful participation.
Former Chama cha Makini presidential candidate Coaster Kibonde welcomed the decision, saying political parties would now resume direct engagement with citizens.
“We commend the government for allowing public rallies. We will now prepare our schedule and continue engaging wananchi,” he said.
Mr Kibonde urged political leaders to use public meetings to promote peace, unity and national cohesion, adding that gatherings can also support local economies by creating opportunities for traders and service providers.
Democratic Party (DP) National Chairman and 2025 presidential candidate Abdul Mluya described public meetings as an important element of democratic practice.
“No freedom is absolute. We must respect the laws, regulations and procedures that govern our political activities,” he said.
Mr Mluya urged political leaders to ensure rallies promote national unity and avoid messages that could create divisions.
Political and diplomacy analyst Maggid Mjengwa said protecting citizens and maintaining public order remained a fundamental responsibility of the state.
He said the earlier restrictions were linked to security concerns, while the decision to reopen public meetings indicated that authorities considered the environment stable enough for political activities to continue.
“National security is the responsibility of the state and is not open to debate because every country has the sovereign right to protect itself,” Mr Mjengwa said.
The resumption of public meetings comes as Tanzania continues to navigate the challenge of ensuring both public safety and space for political participation.
Analysts said the success of the decision will depend on cooperation between security authorities, political parties and citizens, with lawful engagement and responsible conduct likely to determine how effectively public meetings proceed.