In Tanzania, opposition demands for greater political liberalization will likely grow ahead of 2025 elections, risking a security crackdown that would undermine the East African country's reformed international image and thus harm investor confidence, but not to the extent that financing for major projects is harmed. On Jan. 24, Tanzania's primary opposition Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) party held protests in Dar es Salaam over proposed electoral legislation, the high cost of living and delays to constitutional reforms. The protests, attended by an estimated 800-1,500 Tanzanians (reports on the number of participants are conflicting), were the first major demonstrations since President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021. According to opposition party leadership, the protests were intended to pressure the government to reject three proposed electoral bills and implement a constitutional review process before general elections in 2025. Chadema secured permission from the police to hold the demonstrations in...
