Tanzanian police crack down on planned opposition rally

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Tanzanian police have acted against a planned protest organized by the opposition party, Chadema. On Monday, police arrested party leaders, including chairman Freeman Mbowe and deputy chairman Tundu Lissu, as they gathered in the Magomeni area of Dar-es-Salaam. The protest aimed to address concerns regarding alleged killings and abductions of government critics.

Before the arrests, police had blockaded the homes of both leaders. Authorities reported that 14 individuals were detained for breaching a prohibition on protests. Dar-es-Salaam police chief Jumanne Muliro stated that the rally would disrupt public order, resulting in a heightened police presence, including the deployment of riot police with water cannons across the city.

Chadema has raised concerns about security forces' actions, alleging involvement in the disappearances of party members and the killing of senior official Ali Mohamed Kibao. The party had previously attempted to hold a rally in August, which resulted in numerous arrests.

Mbowe indicated that the planned protest would be peaceful, asserting that they did not intend to incite unrest. The current situation follows a broader context of political dynamics in Tanzania, including recent government actions regarding opposition activities.