Suluhu Cancels Tanzania’s Independence Day Celebrations, Redirects Funds to Rebuild After Post‑Election Chaos
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has cancelled this year’s Independence Day celebrations scheduled for December 9, directing that all funds set aside for the event be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure following weeks of unrest in the country.
The announcement was made on Monday, November 24, by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who said the government would instead focus on repairing destruction caused during violent demonstrations that erupted after the October 29 polls.
“The president has directed that on December 9, there will be no celebrations for Independence,” Nchemba stated. “The responsible sectors must ensure that all the funds are properly allocated. The President has reiterated that all damaged infrastructure must be repaired.”
Unrest Leaves Trail of Destruction
Several major cities in Tanzania were rocked by protests as opposition supporters clashed with police, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction of property.
Police stations, polling centres, and private businesses were torched, while essential infrastructure also suffered heavy damage.
The Port of Dar es Salaam — one of East Africa’s busiest and a critical trade corridor — experienced disruptions as multiple shipping lines temporarily diverted operations to Mombasa for safety.
Economic Blow: Internet Blackout and Paralysed Informal Sector
The unrest triggered a nationwide internet shutdown that lasted several hours. According to Netblocks, the blackout cost Tanzania an estimated KSh30 billion (USD 238 million) in lost economic activity.
The informal sector, which supports nearly 80% of Tanzanians, was severely affected as traders struggled to move or operate due to security fears.
Government Calls for Unity
Prime Minister Nchemba urged citizens and political leaders to avoid future unrest, emphasizing that national stability is crucial for economic recovery.
“I want to ask you Tanzanians, let us move in the right direction,” he said. “All political parties, let us move in unity and agree that such incidents should never happen again.”
Protest Threats Ahead of December 9
The decision to cancel the celebrations came amid growing calls on social media for what activists described as the “mother of all protests” on December 9 — a threat the government said it would not take lightly.
By redirecting funds from festivities to reconstruction, President Suluhu hopes to stabilise the nation and accelerate recovery after one of Tanzania’s most turbulent political periods in recent years.
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Suluhu Cancels Tanzania’s Independence Day Celebrations, Redirects Funds to Rebuild After Post‑Election Chaos