Tanzania Warns Against Social Media Misuse After Viral Military Video

Tanzanian authorities have issued a warning against spreading misinformation online after a viral video surfaced showing a man claiming to be an air force officer, “Capt Tesha,” calling for military intervention and protests against the government.

In the video, the alleged officer accuses the government of corruption and political interference in the military while urging citizens to defend their rights ahead of the October 29 general elections.

His identity has not been verified, and the Tanzanian military has not confirmed if he is a serving officer.

In response, the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and national police condemned the video, warning against attempts to drag the military into politics. Military spokesperson Col. Bernard Masala Mlunga reaffirmed the army’s loyalty and professionalism, while police vowed to track and prosecute those spreading “criminal and inflammatory” content.

The warning comes amid a tense political climate. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking re-election under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), while the opposition Chadema party remains banned from the polls and its leader, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges—widely viewed by rights groups as politically motivated.

Civil society organizations and journalists have raised concerns about shrinking political freedoms and restrictions on the media as the elections approach.