Police clear way for public meetings

Experts call for responsible political engagement DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Police Force has announced that it will resume receiving notifications for public meetings following the stabilisation of the country’s security situation, a move political analyst have welcomed as a positive step towards strengthening democracy and safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights. In a statement availed to the media yesterday, Police Spokesperson DCP David Misime urged organisers of public meetings to continue submitting notices to District Police Commanders in accordance with the law. DCP Misime said the decision follows improved security conditions after law enforcement agencies thwarted alleged plans by some individuals to organise unlawful demonstrations and other criminal activities in violation of the country’s laws, regulations and established procedures.

He said intelligence reports indicated that the suspects had allegedly planned to attack people, burn schools to instil fear among parents and guardians, vandalise TANESCO transformers, block roads and disarm police officers. According to the statement, the alleged activities were coordinated through physical meetings involving some youth groups, while social media platforms were used to spread messages and organise online meetings. Security agencies closely monitored the activities, leading to the arrest of several suspects announced on July 9 this year.

Some have since been arraigned in court, while efforts to apprehend other suspects are continuing. DCP Misime commended members of the public for cooperating with law enforcement agencies by rejecting and reporting the alleged criminal activities, saying their support had contributed to maintaining peace and stability across the country. “The cooperation shown by wananchi in rejecting these criminal acts gives us confidence to say that the country’s security situation is now stable,” DCP Misime said.

He said that during the period when the alleged criminal activities were under investigation, the Police also received notifications from political parties and some Members of Parliament intending to hold public meetings in different parts of the country. “As the institution mandated to maintain security during public gatherings, we engaged the organisers and advised them to postpone the meetings due to the prevailing security concerns at the time,” he said.