Tanzania issues a warning on social networks after the video calls for military “action”

Tanzanian police warned the use of social media to disinfuse a disinformation following a widely shared video of an alleged military agent criticizing the government, three weeks before the general elections.

Identifying himself as “Capt Tesha” of the Air Force, he accuses the government of corruption, violations of rights and political interference in the army.

The army did not respond to the BBC requests on its identity and the BBC has not been able to check if it is a service agent.

The alleged officer urges the military leader Jacob Mkunda to take measures and to ensure that the country is united and to maintain the rights of citizens.

He also encourages Tanzanians to put pressure on their rights and to hold demonstrations, saying that the security forces are behind them.

“We cannot let the nation get lost in the hands of a few people. I also advise my defense leader to take measures against what is happening in the country,” he said.

This occurs while Tanzania is preparing to organize general elections in the midst of a tense environment.

In an apparent response to viral video, the military warned against attempts to do so in politics.

The military spokesman, Col Bernard Masala Mlunga, said that this information was published by individuals “affiliated with military affiliation or are ancient members licensed for fault or political activism”.

“The TPDF (Popular Defense Force of Tanzania) continues to pay its constitutional duties with integrity, loyalty and professionalism, entirely in accordance with the laws (Tanzanian),” he said in a statement.

Police warned that the sharing of “criminal and inflammatory” information was an abusive use of social media motivated by bad intentions.

“The (police force) assures Tanzanians whom he will continue to hunt (those who share such content), arrest them and reflect them in justice,” he said in a statement.

Tanzanian opposition activists redid viral video on social networks, interpreting it as a sign of military solidarity with them.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks to keep the presidency under the decision Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in the next elections.

The main opposition party, Chadema, was forbidden to participate in the polls, and its Tundu Lissu chief has been held since April.

He faces accusations of betrayal and an audience was to start on Monday. Human rights groups say the accusations are politically motivated and intended to silence it.

Government criticisms have also been targeted in recent months and there are growing concerns as to the October 29 elections will be free and equitable.

Many civil society groups, journalists and political observers say that the government has strengthened media control, public gatherings and opposition activities.