SULUHU'S GOVERNMENT BANS " KUPIGA BARUTI" - DULL CROSSOVER IN TANZANIA

As Kenya and other nations ushered in the New Year with skies lit up by fireworks and loud crossover celebrations, neighbouring Tanzania welcomed 2026 in a noticeably muted atmosphere, with major cities remaining calm following strict police restrictions on the use of fireworks.

While cities such as Nairobi, Kampala and Johannesburg sparkled with fireworks and street celebrations, Dar es Salaam and other major Tanzanian towns remained tightly controlled following a police ban on the use of fireworks, locally known as baruti, during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday evening, December 31, 2025, the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone said the measures were part of its mandate to maintain law and order during the festive season.

“Jeshi la Polisi Kanda Maalum ya Dar es Salaam lina jukumu la kuzuia na kudhibiti vitendo vya kihalifu katika maeneo mbalimbali ya Jiji la Dar es Salaam kwa kushirikiana na vyombo vingine vya usalama pamoja na wananchi,” the statement read.

Police warned that lighting fireworks, burning tyres on roads or engaging in similar acts without special permits would attract immediate legal action, citing safety concerns and the risk of causing fear among residents.

“Jeshi la Polisi linatoa tahadhari kwa wananchi… kupiga baruti au fataki bila vibali maalum na kwa kufanya hivyo hatua za haraka za kisheria zitachukuliwa dhidi ya mtu au kundi lolote litakalobainika kufanya vitendo hivyo na kusababisha hofu au usumbufu kwa jamii,” police said.

The restrictions came at a time when many Tanzanians were already feeling restrained, months after the violent October 2025 General Election that saw security forces accused of using excessive force. For some citizens, the fireworks ban symbolised a broader clampdown on public expression, even during moments traditionally associated with celebration and release.

Authorities, however, insisted the focus was on safety and coordination, noting that security officers would also be deployed around churches, mosques, entertainment spots and residential areas.

“Jeshi la Polisi Kanda Maalum ya Dar es Salaam litaendelea kushirikiana kwa karibu na wananchi pia viongozi wa nyumba za ibada ili kuhakikisha salaam unakuwepo kwenye nyumba za ibada na maeneo mengine,” the statement added.

Despite the justification, the directive sparked heated debate online, with many Tanzanians questioning why the country could not enjoy the same festive freedoms witnessed in neighbouring states.

“Are the sounds of firecrackers louder than bombs or gunshots?” one user, Edwin B Edward, wrote, arguing that safety concerns sounded hollow to citizens already exposed to harsher realities.
Others challenged the legality of the restriction. “When was this law made? Do we really need police permission to celebrate the New Year?” asked Mwinyi Marwa.

Despite ending their statement with a call for calm , many Tanzanians, however, appeared bored and frustrated about a silent New Year in a region that was otherwise glowing.