A document circulating on social media claims the Tanzanian government has instructed regional and district officials to identify religious leaders who do not support President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The document, dated September 11, 2025, bears the letterhead of Tamisemi, the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government. It allegedly instructs officials to compile and send information on these leaders, including their full names, denomination, and church or mosque details, to the permanent secretary of Tamisemi.
The document’s authenticity has been disputed, with a government spokesperson dismissing it as fake. A comparison of the document with official communication from the office of the president revealed a discrepancy in the postal address, further casting doubt on its legitimacy. On September 16, 2025, the office of the president issued a statement cautioning citizens about individuals with malicious intentions who forge letters bearing government emblems and signatures of government officials.
The circulation of this document comes amid increasing political tension in Tanzania, with the country’s general election scheduled for October 29, 2025. The main opposition party, Chadema, has been disqualified from the election, and there have been calls for reform and concerns about the alleged crackdown on dissent. The government has warned citizens against participating in demonstrations, stating that such gatherings are illegal.
The Tanzanian authorities’ warning to citizens, particularly young people, against participating in demonstrations has been seen as an attempt to silence critics ahead of the polls. Opposition figures and civil society groups have accused the government of using such measures to restrict protests, intimidate the media, and monitor online activity.
The government spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, advised citizens to verify information through official and credible government sources to avoid spreading false or misleading information. The document’s circulation has added to the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election, highlighting the need for credible information and official verification in the face of potentially misleading claims.