Tanzanian authorities issued warnings against social media misinformation on Sunday after a viral video surfaced showing an alleged military officer criticizing government corruption and rights violations three weeks before national elections. The individual identified himself as Captain Tesha from the air force, but military officials declined to confirm his identity or service status to journalists. Police cautioned citizens against sharing inflammatory content, and they threatened arrests for those distributing such material online.
The military denied political involvement through spokesman Col. Bernard Masala Mlunga, who attributed such posts to dismissed personnel or political activists. Opposition supporters interpreted the video as evidence of military support for their cause ahead of the Oct. 29 elections. President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks reelection amid criticism over media restrictions and opposition suppression, as the main challenger, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges while detained since April.
The military denied political involvement through spokesman Col. Bernard Masala Mlunga, who attributed such posts to dismissed personnel or political activists. Opposition supporters interpreted the video as evidence of military support for their cause ahead of the Oct. 29 elections. President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks reelection amid criticism over media restrictions and opposition suppression, as the main challenger, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges while detained since April.
