Opposition to Rally After Ban in Tanzania

The main opposition party in Tanzania, Chadema, is due to hold its first national rally in six-and-a-half years.

Report says such gatherings were banned by the former President, John Magafuli, in 2016.

However, the ban was lifted by his successor, Samia Suluhu Hassan, two weeks ago.

Her decision is part of her 4Rs initiative – Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding.

She acknowledged parties had the right to hold rallies but she urged them to be civil and not to “trade insults.”

Meanwhile, Since Magafuli’s death in 2021, President Samia has introduced limited reforms.

She lifted a ban on pregnant girls attending school and oversaw a Covid vaccination campaign.

She has now declared that freedom of political expression is a universal right.

BBC/Christopher Ojilere