Political temperature raises eyebrows among Tanzanians in the diaspora

By Anganile Mwakyanjala

When asked about the rate of racism in the United States, famous American actor Will Smith said: “It’s not that racism is on the rise in the US, but it is being filmed more.

Access to technology that can document events in real time has changed how the world is viewed, and the same can be said about the tense situation being witnessed as Tanzania is heading towards the general election in October.”

Many Tanzanians who returned from living overseas joined political parties back home, so it is perceived that some choose not to speak up so that they do not leave a digital footprint that would later question their loyalty to a party they will join. Which is argued as not true patriotism but self-serving, but as indicated earlier, there are some Tanzanians abroad who have no idea what is going on and the political landscape or history to fully comment on what is unfolding on social media; some left Tanzania as toddlers or were born abroad, though they have a strong allegiance to the country, their limited knowledge prevents them from articulating their thoughts. In the era of social media misinformation and disinformation, they are more prone to whatever video they see first and what it portrays to fully form their opinion of what is occurring as the country is gearing up for the general election.