Thousands of Chadema supporters on Wednesday January 24 engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Dar es Salaam streets over electoral reforms and the high cost of living in Tanzania.
The demonstrators, who were escorted by police officers, demanded fairness and transparency in the upcoming elections.
Most of the protestors were carrying placards with messages of calling on the government to lower the high cost of living.
Citizens who were clad in Chadema party colours started the protests at Buguruni filling station up to the United Nations offices at the city centre.
Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe joined the protests alongside his three children, as party supporters cheered him.
Other Chadema leaders including Godbless Lema, Benson Kigaila, and Hashimu Juma also led party supporters during the street protests.
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At the same time, Chadema leaders presented a petition to the UN offices, calling on the international community to intervene and compel the Tanzania government to address their concerns.
Speaking while addressing his supporters in Dar es Salaam, Mbowe explained that he was ready to engage the government in dialogue to ensure electoral justice as well as lowering the cost of living in the country.
“We haven’t refused a roundtable discussion. Therefore we want to talk while demonstrating,” said Mbowe.
On the other hand, Godbless Lema told the protestors that the demonstrations were not just about the opposition party, Chadema but for a better future for all Tanzanians.
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“We are protesting for the next generation. We want electoral justice in our country. The government must also lower the high cost of living,” said Lema amid cheers from the demonstrators.
Meanwhile, the demonstrators were chanting; “Punguza gharama ya maisha! Haki ya katiba!” (lower the high cost of living. We want constitutional justice.)
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However, the police thanked the citizens for remaining peaceful during the protests, adding that nobody was injured and no property was destroyed during the incident.
