Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan./FILEPresident Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a stern warning against external interference in Tanzania’s internal affairs.
Suluhu cited regional and international activists whom she accuses of attempting to destabilise the country.
Speaking during a public event on Monday, Suluhu emphasised her constitutional responsibility to safeguard Tanzania’s sovereignty, independence, and national dignity.
She pointed to a rising trend of foreign voices using digital platforms to comment on Tanzanian affairs, asserting that while freedom of expression is global, Tanzania's internal stability is not up for negotiation.
“Through technology, people all over the world can say what they want about us. They can utter anything and say what they wish,” she said.
“But when something is uttered, our security agencies must respond fast—either to clarify, deny, and if true, accept and take action to rectify.”
Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by the digital age, Suluhu was adamant that.
“Let’s not be Shamba la Bibi [a lawless, unguarded place] where everyone can come and say whatever they want,” she declared.
“We have seen a flow of activists within our region starting to interfere in our affairs. They may have been controlled in their own countries, but they will not come and destroy us here.”
The President alleged that some of these activists are under surveillance or pressure in their home nations and are now attempting to shift their focus to Tanzania.
She expressed concern that these individuals, having contributed to unrest elsewhere, are seeking to replicate that chaos in a country that she described as “peaceful and united.”
“They have destroyed their countries, and now the only peaceful and united country is ours. Do not allow people who have ruined their countries to come and cause problems here,” Suluhu warned.
She urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively whenever there is an attempt to breach public order, stressing the need for vigilance in preserving national harmony.
Suluhu’s remarks come amid growing regional and
international scrutiny of governance and human rights issues in East Africa..
