Tanzania opposition holds first rally since ban lifted

Thousands of supporters from Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema are flocking to the venue, in the city of Mwanza, of its first rally since a six-and-a-half year ban on such gatherings was lifted a fortnight ago.

Some of the party faithful – bubbling with excitement – were clad in their party uniforms as they were moving through the city riding their motorcycles and chanting on top of their voices.

Security was equally tight around the city and its surroundings as some police officers had parked their vans besides the roads while others were escorting the procession.

John Mrema, a Chadema official, says the rally is expected to pull huge crowds.

Analysts predict that today’s rally is likely to provoke some emotions from both the party’s leadership and their supporters.

At the beginning of January, President Samia Suluhu Hassan lifted the ban that was initially placed by her predecessor, the late President John Pombe Magufuli.

By BBC