Tanzania streets deserted as heavy security spooks protesters

A general view of a deserted avenue in Dar Es Salaam on December 9, 2025 during a day of demonstrations against the violent crackdown by security forces on election demonstrations. (Photo by AFP)

Tanzania's biggest city was deserted on Tuesday, with a heavy security presence apparently deterring planned anti-government demonstrations over the election violence in October.

Police last week banned proposed rallies, which were called in response to the violent crackdown on unrest during the October 29 election.