Fake information circulating online on an accident involving Tanzania President Samia Suluhu / ScreengrabThe Tanzanian government has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media purporting to show President Samia Suluhu’s convoy involved in an accident.
Government Spokesman and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa said the clip was misleading and urged the public to disregard it.
“Ignore the fake information being passed around on this video that happened a long time ago. The convoy of President Samia Suluhu has not been involved in an accident. The accident on the video happened in 2024 and did not involve the President,” he said on Instagram.
He explained that the footage being shared was from a separate incident in 2024, which had no connection to the Head of State.
The government has warned against the spread of disinformation online, reiterating that official communication regarding the President’s activities and safety will always come through verified government channels.
The fake video showed a fleet of vehicles which was involved in an accident with some damaged on the front and others were on a ditch.
The accident involved over seven high end vehicles that were hit on the front and the back.
According to the spokesperson, the accident happened in February 2024 involving Makonda convoy at Masasi, Mtwara.
Samia is the current President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the country’s first female Head of State.
She began her political career in the Zanzibar House of Representatives in 2000 before joining the National Assembly of Tanzania.
Over the years, she served in various ministerial positions, gaining recognition for her focus on social development and community welfare.
In 2015, she made history when she was nominated as the running mate to former late President John Magufuli, becoming Tanzania's first female vice president.
She served in this role until March 2021, when she assumed the presidency following Magufuli’s death, in line with the Tanzanian Constitution.
As President, Samia Suluhu Hassan has sought to open up Tanzania’s economy, strengthen diplomacy, and promote women’s participation in leadership.
She has also steered the nation through post-pandemic recovery and worked to modernize governance.
She stands not only as a trailblazer for Tanzanian women in politics but also as a key figure in East African regional leadership.
Tanzania will hold its general elctions on October 29, 2025 the National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced, with President Samia seeking her first full term in office.
The polls will cover the presidency, parliament, and local councils, with campaigning underway.
But the election has been overshadowed by controversy following the exclusion of the main oppostion party Chadema from the race.
Chadema leafder Tundu Lissu, a vocal critic of the government was arrested on charges of treason and incitement.
His detention has sparked condemnation from rights groups, who accuse the government of silencing dissent ahead of the polls.
