Tanzanian security agencies are ready to stop any mass action in the country as an online campaign for demonstrations on Union Day continues.

Already, two people have been arrested for allegedly using social media to call for protests against President John Magufuli’s administration, which has been accused of limiting freedoms.

President Magufuli, who came to power in 2015, has demonstrated zero tolerance to corruption, pushing for prosecution of senior government officials while strengthening revenue collection system.

But his intolerance to dissenting voices has earned him criticism in Tanzania with the opposition, civil society and clerics accusing him of muzzling the freedom of speech and right to political gatherings.

The president banned political rallies and several opposition politicians who have criticised him have been prosecuted.

But, amid the rising tension in Dar es Salaam, police say there is no cause for alarm, adding that architects of the proposed mass action are a few individuals, who want to spread panic.

Intimidation

Freeman Mbowe, chairman of the opposition Chadema party, last week accused Dar es Salaam authorities of intimidating the opposition.

In a statement, Mr Mbowe claimed of a strategy by the government to open treason, murder, economic sabotage and terrorism charges against some opposition supporters.

Recently, President Magufuli has warned that  those who will demonstrate will be taught a lesson that they will never forget.

Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro and Minister for Home Affairs Mwigulu Nchemba have on different occasions warned against unlawful demonstrations.

Last week, two people were arrested in Dodoma for “mobilising demonstration in social media.”

The region’s police commander Gilles Muroto apprehended Amandus Manchali and Yuda Mbata for allegedly inciting people to come out and demonstrate on April 26 — the Union Day.

Mr Muroto warned that anyone who would dare to set a foot on the street on that day will not be safe.

Demonstrations are allowed in Tanzanian laws, but Section 44 of Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act requires a person to notify the police of his intention to convene or assemble, which police may grant permission or reject if they believe that the assembly may constitute a breach of peace.