The Tanzanian government has cancelled the Independence Day celebrations that were scheduled for December 9, a day that marks the country’s liberation from British colonial rule. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the decision, saying President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered the cancellation so that the funds allocated for the event could be used to repair infrastructure damaged during protests that broke out after last month’s presidential election. The protests turned violent after opposition groups claimed the election, won by President Samia Suluhu with 98% of the vote was fraudulent.

The Tanzanian government has cancelled the Independence Day celebrations that were scheduled for December 9, a day that marks the country’s liberation from British colonial rule. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced the decision, saying President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered the cancellation so that the funds allocated for the event could be used to repair infrastructure damaged during protests that broke out after last month’s presidential election. The protests turned violent after opposition groups claimed the election, won by President Samia Suluhu with 98% of the vote was fraudulent. “The President has directed that there will be no Independence Day celebrations on December 9,” Nchemba said. He added that government agencies had been instructed to ensure the redirected funds are used effectively to repair damaged public infrastructure. Tanzania, formerly known as Tanganyika, gained independence on December 9, 1961. Opposition groups had said the 2025 Independence Day celebrations would have offered an opportunity to protest, demand greater respect for democratic rights, and call for the release of political prisoners.

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