The Tanzanian government has cancelled the country's 64th Independence Day celebrations, which were scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, redirecting the funds towards repairing infrastructure destroyed during recent post-election violence. The announcement was made on Monday, November 24, 2025, by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who stated the directive came directly from President Samia Suluhu Hassan. While the official reason centres on fiscal prudence and national repair, the decision occurs within a deeply tense political climate, marked by disputed election results and calls by the opposition for nationwide protests on the same day.

The cancellation follows weeks of significant unrest that erupted after the October 29, 2025, general election. In that poll, President Suluhu was declared the winner with a landslide 98% of the vote, a result that opposition parties have vehemently rejected, citing widespread irregularities and vote-rigging. The announcement of the results triggered protests in major cities, including the commercial hub Dar es Salaam and the capital, Dodoma, leading to violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Reports from opposition and human rights groups allege a brutal crackdown resulted in hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths, though official government figures have not been released. The ensuing chaos saw the destruction of public and private property, including police stations and polling centres.

East African Economic Repercussions

The instability has had tangible economic consequences that extend beyond Tanzania's borders, directly impacting Kenya. One of the most significant pieces of infrastructure affected was the Port of Dar es Salaam, a critical hub for trade across East and Central Africa. Disruptions at the port forced several international shipping lines to redirect their vessels to Kenya's Port of Mombasa, highlighting the economic interdependence of the two nations. This diversion underscores the potential for political instability in one East African Community (EAC) member state to create logistical and economic challenges for its neighbours. The informal economy, which supports an estimated 80% of Tanzania's population, was also severely impacted by the unrest, further straining the nation's economic health. An internet blackout during the period is reported to have cost the Tanzanian economy an estimated USD 238 million (approximately KSh 30 billion).

The government's decision to cancel the celebrations is also seen as a move to preempt a 'mother of all protests' called by opposition leaders for December 9. In his announcement, Prime Minister Nchemba urged national unity and dialogue, stating, "I want to ask you Tanzanians, let us move in the right direction. All political parties, let us move in unity and agree that such incidents should never happen again." The government has since established a commission of inquiry to investigate the unrest, though the opposition has criticized it as lacking impartiality.

A Pattern of Frugality

This is not the first time Tanzania has cancelled its Independence Day celebrations to reallocate funds. The practice gained prominence under the late President John Magufuli, who in 2015 diverted the budget to the construction of a road in Dar es Salaam and in 2020 used the funds to purchase medical supplies. President Suluhu continued this precedent; in 2022, she redirected approximately TSh 960 million (KSh 50.5 million) from the celebration's budget to construct dormitories for primary school children with special needs. However, the 2025 cancellation is distinct, as it is a direct response to political violence and destruction rather than a proactive measure for social or developmental spending. The move reflects the deep political divisions currently gripping the nation as it navigates the turbulent aftermath of a contentious election.