DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzania's government banned political rallies on June 26, 2026. Internal Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi directed Police Inspector General Camillus Wambura to stop issuing permits for political activities across Tanzania.

The ban follows planned protests for July 7, 2026, which intend to demonstrate against President Samia Suluhu Hassan's reelection and advocate for a new constitution. Police have arrested people linked to the organizers of the planned protests.

Boniface Mwabukusi, President of the Tanzania Law Society, said, "The government had no authority whatsoever to prohibit or permit meetings that are legally allowed." Mwabukusi added, "We will convene to determine the legal measures we will take, both domestically and internationally, against anyone who attempts to enforce this unlawful and invalid directive in violation of the Constitution and the laws of the country."

Chadema chief legal counsel Rugemeleza Nshala said, "The ban was intended to muzzle political freedom." Nshala stated, "The party was contemplating other legal actions locally and internationally to challenge the decision."

The government's action marks a change from 2023, when President Hassan lifted a six-year ban on opposition rallies. That earlier ban had been imposed by former President John Magufuli. More than 500 people died during postelection violence in 2025.

In the 2025 general election, the ruling party secured victory after the main opposition party boycotted the polls. The presidential candidate for the second-largest opposition party was barred from running in that election. Opposition party leader Tundu Lissu is currently facing treason charges.