Keypoints:
- Viral video sparks pre-election tension
- Police vow crackdown on misinformation
- Opposition sees message of solidarity
TANZANIAN police have warned citizens against spreading misinformation on social media after a viral video featuring a man claiming to be a military officer accused the government of corruption and abuse of power. The warning comes three weeks before the country’s general elections on October 29.
The video, widely circulated online, shows a man identifying himself as Captain Tesha from the Tanzanian Air Force. In the footage, he criticises President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, alleging corruption, human rights violations, and political interference within the military.
The man urges the Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob Mkunda, to ‘take action and ensure unity’ while calling on Tanzanians to ‘push for their rights’ and hold demonstrations. He claims security forces are ‘behind the people’ and says he will not ‘let the nation be lost in the hands of a few’.
The BBC, which first reported the story, said it could not independently verify the man’s identity or confirm whether he is an active military officer. The Tanzanian military has not responded to BBC inquiries about the video.
Military distances itself from political claims
In an apparent response, military spokesman Colonel Bernard Masala Mlunga issued a statement warning against attempts to draw the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) into politics.
‘The TPDF continues to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, loyalty, and professionalism, in full accordance with Tanzanian laws,’ Mlunga said. He added that those posting political content while claiming military ties were often ‘individuals dismissed for misconduct or political activism’.
Police vow crackdown on misinformation
On Sunday, the police described the circulation of ‘criminal and inflammatory’ content as a misuse of social media driven by ‘ill intentions’. The statement warned that the authorities would continue to track and prosecute those spreading false or provocative information.
‘The police force assures Tanzanians that it will continue to hunt for those sharing such content, arrest them and bring them to justice,’ it read.
Opposition reads signs of military support
Despite government warnings, opposition supporters have been re-sharing the video, interpreting it as evidence of dissent within the security forces.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, remains barred from contesting the October election. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, has been detained since April on treason charges that human rights groups describe as politically motivated.
Rights campaigners and civil society organisations have voiced growing concern about restrictions on media freedom, public gatherings, and opposition activity. They warn that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s dominance and the arrest of key opposition figures could undermine the credibility of the upcoming vote.
President Samia, who took office following the death of John Magufuli in 2021, is seeking to extend her rule under the CCM banner. Critics say her cautious reform agenda and tightening political controls risk undoing early promises of openness.
As election day nears, the viral video controversy has heightened tension and underscored the fragile political atmosphere across Tanzania.
