Tanzania PM tells citizens to stay home as post-election protest looms

• Tanzania's Prime Minister urged citizens to stay home on December 9 amidst planned protests against the violent suppression of post-election demonstrations.
• Activists called for protests on December 9, Tanzania's Independence Day, following UN reports of hundreds killed in October's anti-government demonstrations.
• The government acknowledged deaths but denied excessive police force, while President Hassan, who won with 98% of votes, appointed a commission to investigate violence.
• Police declared any demonstrations illegal, and heavy security forces were deployed in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
• The United States is reviewing its relationship with Tanzania due to concerns over violence against civilians, religious freedom, and free speech.

Why It Matters: Tanzania faces unrest and international concern over post-election crackdown.