DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzanian police have issued a stern warning against the use of social media to disseminate misinformation, following the wide circulation of a video featuring an individual, who identifies himself as a military officer, leveling strong criticisms against the government. The warning comes three weeks before the country is set to hold general elections.
In the viral video, the individual, who identifies himself as “Capt Tesha” from the air force, accuses the current administration of corruption, human rights violations, and political interference within the military.
The purported officer in the video directly urges military chief Jacob Mkunda to take swift action to ensure national unity and uphold citizens’ rights. He also encourages Tanzanians to demand their rights and hold demonstrations, claiming that the security forces are supportive of such actions.
“We cannot let the nation be lost in the hands of some few people. I also advise my chief of defence to take action against what is happening in the country,” he says.
The military has since responded to the attempt to draw it into the political arena. Military spokesman Colonel Bernard Masala Mlunga issued a statement warning that such information is being posted by individuals “claiming military affiliation or are former members dismissed for misconduct or political activism.”
Col. Mlunga firmly defended the armed forces’ integrity, stating: “The TPDF [Tanzania People’s Defence Force] continues to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, loyalty, and professionalism, in full accordance with the [Tanzanian] laws.”
On Sunday, the Tanzania Police Force also released a statement, cautioning that sharing “criminal and inflammatory” information constitutes a misuse of social media driven by malicious intent.
The police warned of impending action against those responsible, assuring citizens that it “assures Tanzanians that it will continue to hunt for [those sharing such content], arrest them and bring them to justice.”
Pre-election political climate
The controversy unfolds amid a tense environment leading up to the general elections. Opposition activists have been actively resharing the video on social media, interpreting it as an indication of solidarity from within the military.
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The forthcoming elections will see President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeking to retain her position under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). However, the main opposition party, Chadema, has been barred from participating in the polls, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, has been detained since April on treason charges. A hearing for his case was scheduled to commence on Monday.
Human rights organizations assert that the charges against Lissu are politically motivated and intended to silence dissent.
Concerns are escalating among civil society groups, journalists, and political observers regarding the fairness and freedom of the October 29 elections, particularly due to the perceived tightening of government control over media, public gatherings, and opposition activities in recent months.
