In brief
Tanzanian authorities have issued a warning following the outbreak of misinformation on social media, sparked by a video featuring an alleged military officer calling for action against the government. This situation arises just weeks before general elections, prompting concerns about political unrest and freedom of expression while opposition activists have interpreted the video as a sign of military dissent against the ruling party.
Tanzanian police have warned against the use of social media to spread misinformation following a widely shared video of an alleged military officer criticising the government, three weeks ahead of general elections. Identifying himself as Capt Tesha from the air force, he accuses the government of corruption, rights violations and political interference in the military. The military did not respond to BBC inquiries about his identity and the BBC has not been able to verify whether he is a serving officer.The purported officer urges military chief Jacob Mkunda to take action and ensure the country is united, and uphold citizen's rights. He also encourages Tanzanians to push for their rights and hold demonstrations, saying the security forces are behind them. 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.This comes as Tanzania is preparing to hold general elections amid a tense environment. In an apparent response to the viral video, the military has warned against attempts to draw it into politics. Military spokesman Col Bernard Masala Mlunga stated that the information was being posted by individuals claiming military affiliation or are former members dismissed for misconduct or political activism. He assured that the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) will continue to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, loyalty, and professionalism.On Sunday, the police warned that sharing of criminal and inflammatory information is a misuse of social media. The [police force] assures Tanzanians that it will continue to hunt for [those sharing such content], arrest them and bring them to justice, it said in a statement. Opponents of the government have been re-sharing the viral video, interpreting it as a sign of military solidarity.As the elections approach on October 29, President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks to retain her presidency under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the polls, and its leader Tundu Lissu has been detained since April under what many believe to be politically motivated charges aimed at silencing dissent. Concerns are growing regarding the electoral integrity amid reports of tightened control on media and civil liberties in recent months.
