Suluhu Govt Issues Stern Warning On Use Of Fireworks, Baruti During New Year 2026 Celebrations

As Tanzanians prepare to welcome 2026, police authorities have issued stern warnings against unsafe and disruptive practices during the New Year festivities.

Officers emphasized that anyone found engaging in acts that could endanger property, public safety, or community order would face immediate legal action.

The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone released the advisory on the evening of December 31, 2025, highlighting activities that are prohibited during celebrations.

Among the banned practices are burning tyres on streets, setting off fireworks or explosives without proper permits, and any other actions that could incite public disturbance.

“With just a few hours remaining until the New Year, our focus is to ensure that celebrations are safe and enjoyable for all. Any individual or group found causing fear, damaging property, or disrupting the community will be held accountable under the law,” the statement read, signed by the regional police commander. 

Authorities stressed that security operations would be conducted in collaboration with local communities and religious leaders. 

The police also reminded residents and businesses to monitor their properties and avoid leaving them unattended during the festive season to prevent theft or vandalism.

The warning sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms, with citizens voicing both support and criticism. 

Some residents questioned the necessity of policing celebratory activities, while others expressed concern over potential abuses of power by enforcement officers.

Mwinyi Marwa, a netizen, asked: “When was this law made? Do we really need police permission to celebrate the New Year?” Another user, Jackson Michael, warned that police actions often go beyond reasonable enforcement, saying:

“The police are infamous for shooting people and killing them for crimes that shouldn’t even be criminal. Keep up your behaviour, but one day, God will teach you the true meaning of respect for human rights.”

Some residents expressed a desire to celebrate safely within the law. Pastor Robat Lucas stated, “As a pastor, I’ll celebrate in church because I’ve been told by the Almighty to rejoice and be happy seeing the New Year.”

Meanwhile, Mtu Kazi Tz urged older citizens to respect police advisories: “Out of respect, please police, do as you did on the 29th—mercy is not care for the elderly.”

Edwin B. Edward commented humorously on the scale of noise from firecrackers, noting: 

“Are the sounds of firecrackers louder than bombs or gunshots? People’s ears have become numb to louder sounds, more so than the wailing from different corners of the country.”

The Tanzanian authorities’ warning aligns with efforts to prevent chaos similar to incidents experienced in Kenya during previous New Year celebrations.

In 2025, pulse reported a fireworks mishap at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where displays misfired, exploding in unintended directions and causing panic among attendees.

The event sparked social media debates, with many Kenyans using humor to reflect on the unexpected chaos.