MWE Correspondent
Shoppers filled supermarkets and crowded aisles across Dar es Salaam on Sunday, as residents prepared for the upcoming December 9 demonstrations.
Families stocked up on food, water, and essential supplies amid growing uncertainty, creating scenes of bustling crowds reminiscent of holiday rushes but driven by heightened anxieties.
At one major shopping center, employees described the current foot traffic as nearly ten times the normal volume for this time of year. Many shoppers said they were acting out of caution, fearing that the planned protests might lead to temporary lockdowns or disruptions in daily life. Others cited concerns about rising prices for staple goods during the holiday season.
The wave of shopping comes as the Tanzania Police Force has officially prohibited the December 9 demonstrations, warning that any attempt to mobilize would be unlawful. Authorities have assured the public that security measures are in place, with increased patrols and monitoring across the city to prevent unrest. The Dar es Salaam regional commissioner has echoed these reassurances, emphasizing that citizens should remain calm while adhering to the law.
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Despite these assurances, many residents continue to prepare for any eventuality. “We don’t know exactly what will happen, so we are just stocking up to be safe,” one shopper said. Families carried baskets filled with rice, cooking oil, bottled water, and other essentials, underscoring the heightened sense of caution across the city.
Observers say the current shopping frenzy highlights both the public’s concern over potential unrest and the broader economic anxieties facing citizens. Experts note that in previous periods of heightened tension, Dar residents often respond by buying essential items in advance, creating temporary surges in demand.
Meanwhile, government officials have emphasized that those planning the demonstrations have not fulfilled the legal requirements for organizing public gatherings. Under Tanzanian law, protests must be authorized in advance by local authorities — a condition that has not been met for the December 9 events. Officials have also urged the public to avoid participating in illegal gatherings, stressing that such actions could jeopardize public safety.
