Tanzanian authorities have arrested dozens of people ahead of planned anti-government protests, intensifying a crackdown on dissent as activists demand democratic reforms and the release of jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu amid heightened security across the country.

Tanzanian authorities have arrested dozens of people ahead of planned anti-government protests, intensifying a crackdown on dissent as activists demand democratic reforms and the release of jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu amid heightened security across the country.

Heavy security has been deployed across Tanzania's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations, as fears grow of a repeat of last year's deadly election violence.

Demonstrators are expected to gather on 7 July to call for democratic reforms and justice for those killed in last year’s election violence.