Tanzania arrests dozens ahead of anti-Govt protests

Tanzanian authorities arrested dozens of people ahead of planned anti-Government protests, part of a crackdown on calls demanding democratic reforms and the release of a key opposition figure.

Sylvester Mangure, the army spokesperson, warned Sunday against any demonstrations, following last week’s Government ban on political rallies. He also accused “some people,” whom he didn’t identify, of “recruiting youth” to join the protests as they claimed the country’s army supported the planned demonstrations.

Young people have called for protests on Tuesday, coinciding with the 72nd anniversary of the ruling party’s establishment, to demand democratic changes and the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was arrested on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms ahead of last year’s general election.