Protesters in Tanzania are facing heightened security measures as they prepare to demonstrate against government actions, with fears of repeating the deadly violence from last October's disputed elections.

Authorities have deployed riot police across Dar es Salaam, emphasizing 'routine exercises' while banning political gatherings and labeling protesters as criminals.Regional commissioner Albert Chalamila warned that past use of force was a precursor to more severe crackdowns.

Opposition leaders like Dorothy Semu criticize the lack of accountability for the October violence, where security forces allegedly killed thousands, though the government cites 518 deaths without identifying perpetrators.Critics highlight ongoing repression, including imprisonment of opposition figures and disappearances of dissenters.With no progress on transparency or justice, protesters remain hesitant to participate in demonstrations, fearing further escalation.

The situation underscores deepening tensions between the government and civil society, with calls for accountability amid widespread concerns about human rights violations.