On August 8, 2024, the Political Parties Registrar requested Chadema to cancel the event, citing potential public order disruptions. Photo: Courtesy
Police Disrupt Chadema Youth Day Preparations, Event Faces Possible Cancellation
By Adonis Byemelwa
The annual Youth Day celebrations organized by the Chadema party’s Youth Wing (Bavicha) are in jeopardy due to recent police actions and confusion. Scheduled for August 12 at the Ruanda Nzove grounds in Mbeya, preparations have come to a halt as police have been stationed around the venue since early this morning, August 11, 2024.
In a significant disruption, police have halted 20 Coaster buses transporting members of the Chadema Youth Wing (Bavicha) to Mbeya for World Youth Day celebrations. The buses were stopped at Kilolo, with occupants being detained and directed to a nearby police station. Each bus was accompanied by two officers, and Chadema vehicles were seen with supporters chanting various songs.
A video from Mbeya-based Matukio Media shows a Fuso truck loaded with tents for the event’s stage setup, guarded by police. Shortly after, the truck was escorted away by police, and several youths with party flags were detained and taken to the city.
Elisha Chonya, Bavicha’s Chair for Mbeya Region, underscored the event’s importance as a long-standing tradition. Despite opposition from some parties, Chonya insisted that Bavicha’s event is a celebration, not a protest.
“What some are calling a protest is our annual tradition. We’ve done this in Shinyanga, Mwanza, and now Mbeya,” he stated. Prominent party figures, including Freeman Mbowe, Tundu Lissu, John Mnyika, and Salum Mwalimu, were expected to attend, alongside various civil society representatives and youth groups.
Following the interception, Chonya’s phone was unreachable, and unconfirmed reports suggest he may have been detained. Reports also indicate that vehicles transporting Bavicha youths were blocked from entering Mbeya.
On August 8, 2024, the Political Parties Registrar requested Chadema to cancel the event, citing potential public order disruptions. Despite this, Mnyika confirmed that preparations were ongoing.
On August 11, 2024, the police issued a statement banning all forms of demonstrations and gatherings, warning that any groups defying this order would face legal action. The police have claimed that the event, which has attracted both local and international participants, is being used for incitement rather than its intended purpose. They have pledged to enforce the ban strictly.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 6:03 PM on August 11, 2024, Chadema Secretary General Mnyika called on President Suluhu Samia and Inspector General of Police to stop what he described as unlawful actions by the police. “Prevent these illegal actions by the police against our legitimate Youth Day preparations. This crackdown is against rights and a disrespect to the principles you claim to uphold,” Mnyika stated.
Apolinary Boniface, Bavicha’s National Information Officer, reported that among those detained were Elisha Chonya, the Bavicha Chair for Mbeya Region, and two other youths from the party. Additionally, Deus Soka, Bavicha Chair for Temeke District, and his team were also apprehended while en route to Mbeya.
Boniface added that several vehicles, including one carrying tents for the event, were seized, and youth caravans from various regions such as Arusha, Moshi, Mara, Shinyanga, Zanzibar, and Mwanza were stopped. Despite these setbacks, Boniface remained optimistic, stating that preparations would continue as planned with the arrival of key party members later in the evening.
