A document circulating on social media claims that the Tanzanian government has instructed regional and district officials to identify religious leaders who do not support President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Dated September 11, 2025, the paper bears the letterhead of Tamisemi, the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, and allegedly orders officials to compile and send information on these leaders—including full names, denomination, and church or mosque details—to the permanent secretary of Tamisemi.
The document’s authenticity has been disputed. A government spokesperson dismissed it as fake, noting a discrepancy in the postal address when the paper was compared with official communications from the president’s office. On September 16, 2025, the office of the president issued a statement warning citizens about individuals with malicious intentions who forge letters bearing government emblems and signatures.
The circulation of the document comes amid rising political tension in Tanzania. The country’s general election is scheduled for October 29, 2025, and the main opposition party, Chadema, has been disqualified from the race. Calls for reform and concerns about an alleged crackdown on dissent have intensified. The government has warned citizens that participating in demonstrations is illegal, a message seen as an attempt to silence critics ahead of the polls. Opposition figures and civil‑society groups accuse the authorities of using such measures to restrict protests, intimidate the media, and monitor online activity.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa advised citizens to verify information through official and credible sources to avoid spreading false or misleading claims. The document’s circulation has added to the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election, underscoring the need for credible information and official verification in the face of potentially misleading rumors.
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