Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a stern warning to citizens planning to stage mass protests on December 9.
Suluhu vowed not to sit back and allow a small group of individuals to cause unrest following the general election held on October 25.
Civil society groups and sections of the public are reportedly mobilising for a fresh wave of demonstrations to express dissatisfaction with Samia’s administration, weeks after her swearing-in for her first full term in office.
As earlier reported by East African media outlets, organisers have earmarked December 9, Tanzania’s annual Independence Day, as the date for the mass action.
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Samia emphasised that the government remains vigilant and prepared to quell any form of civil disorder, noting that all state security agencies are on standby to confront what she termed “perceived anarchists.”
She warned that the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue should not be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness.
Speaking at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) while addressing Dar es Salaam elders, Samia stressed that although the government is open to dialogue, it will not be dictated to or operate under ultimatums.
She reminded critics that the government “does not take instructions or conditions from anyone.”
“In words, we hear that something else is being planned, but that will pass. I heard someone say, ‘Let’s not wait for Christmas.’ I want to tell them, whenever they come, we are prepared,” she said.
She reiterated her administration’s commitment to dialogue aimed at resolving the country’s political issues.
Samia insisted that the government will not bow to ultimatums or preconditions before talks can take place.
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According to her, the opposition and its supporters may be advancing interests that do not align with the nation’s well-being.
She maintained that in any engagement with the opposition, the interests of the public will take precedence.
“They say they will sit with the government only after some things are done. This government is not one to be ordered or given instructions. We have asked our colleagues to talk, and I have received their greetings and their conditions. We say, a government that understands itself is not given conditions,” she stated.
The President acknowledged that her administration may have made mistakes in several key areas but emphasised that dialogue remains the only viable solution.
She appealed to critics to embrace dialogue and approach the process sincerely.
“Generally, as human beings, we disagree but make up later. We are not saying that as a government we are perfect. It is possible we have flaws, and it is normal for governments worldwide to have flaws, but they sit down together and right the wrongs. We have no choice but to sit and discuss our challenges,” she added.
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