11 arrested in Dar over protests against Tanzania, DP World deal

Dar es Salaam. Eleven people are believed to have been arrested on Monday for being part of a protest that was to take place in Dar es Salaam before being dispersed by police.

Those arrested include the organiser of the protest, activist Deusdedith Soka.

The protestors were allegedly over a port operation agreement between Tanzania and a Dubai firm, DP World, claiming it is shrouded with opacity.

However, on June 17, 2023, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Commander, Jumanne Muliro, banned the demonstration, and the person who organized the demonstration had written a letter to cancel it.

Speaking to Mwananchi Digital today, lawyer Dikson Matata confirmed that 11 people were being held at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam.

"I have spoken to the RCO (Regional Crime Officer), and he has said that they have no bad intentions towards them, and all they are doing is to interrogate them, There would be no other reason to hold them," He named those under arrest as the organiser of the protest, activist Deusdedith Soka, Remina Peter, Joel Msuya, Jacob Mlay, Fatma Thabit and Juma Kaswahili.

Others are; Elyneema Yuda, Rehema Zonga, Frank Erasto, Seleman, Mohamed Nikupe and Haji Baragomba.

When contacted through his mobile phone, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Commander, Jumanne Muliro, promised to call back, but he did not fulfil his promise, he, however didn't.

However, speaking to reporters shortly after the police dispersed and arrested some of the protestors earlier today, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, warned a group of people who are planning to protest against a port operation agreement between Tanzania and a Dubai firm, DP World.

He has also criticized the distortions made by people who say the country has been sold, and such a thing cannot be done by President Samia Suluhu Hassan because she has sworn to protect the country and bring development to its people.