Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu during the campaign period before the General Election. Photo/Suluhu

The Tanzanian government has urged its citizens to celebrate Independence Day at home, and only those offering essential services should report to their work stations.

In a statement by Government spokesperson Mussa Azzan Zungu, President Suluhu wished Tanzanians a happy Independence Day on December 9, 2025.

Azzan went on to urge citizens who will not have emergencies on Independence Day to celebrate it at home, resting.

“The government urges all citizens who will have no emergency to spend the day resting. They should celebrate the day at home, apart from those whose work responsibilities need them to be at their work locations as directed,” Azzan said in a press address on Monday.

The Independence Day celebrations in Tanzania have attracted public attention over plans by citizens to hold protests.

Police in Tanzania have since announced that any protests during Tuesday’s Independence Day would be illegal.

In a statement in Swahili late Friday, police spokesperson David Misime said officials had seen the calls on social media but noted: "No identifiable person has so far submitted formal notification for the planned demonstrations."

Citing police guidelines, the statement said that "given the unlawful tactics that have surfaced", the proposed rally "no longer meets the legal requirements to be authorised".

"Therefore, the Police Force, as of today, bans the planned demonstrations described as peaceful and indefinite," it said. By Margaret Ruguru, Citizen Digital