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“Tanzania is not a no man’s land”: Samia tells EAC activists
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
What you need to know:
- The Head of State underscored the need for government institutions—particularly relevant ministries and security organs—to respond promptly to false narratives and disinformation, particularly in the digital age.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a stern warning to activists from other East African Community (EAC) member states, cautioning them against entering Tanzania at will and interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
Speaking during the official launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy in Dar es Salaam on Monday, President Hassan reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, but stressed that Tanzania would not tolerate external efforts to undermine its peace and stability.
“We have started seeing a trend where activists from within the region are beginning to cross borders and meddle in our affairs. If they have already been curtailed in their countries, they should not come here to ruin ours,” she said, to applause from the audience.
The Head of State underscored the need for government institutions—particularly relevant ministries and security organs—to respond promptly to false narratives and disinformation, particularly in the digital age.
“People can say what they want using technology and issue whatever statements they please. I call upon our ministries and security organs to respond swiftly—clarify where necessary, refute falsehoods, and if something is true, acknowledge it and take corrective action,” said President Hassan.
She warned against Tanzania becoming “a free-for-all” space, where individuals feel entitled to make unsubstantiated statements with impunity.
“We must not allow anyone to treat Tanzania like a no-man’s-land. This country remains one of the few in the region that has not been destabilised. We must protect that,” she stressed.
Addressing recent criticism of her administration, particularly allegations of bias in political matters, President Hassan said: “I have seen clips of people accusing me of being biased. But what I am doing is protecting my country—and that is the responsibility I have been entrusted with.”
She reaffirmed that no individual—whether domestic or foreign—would be allowed to compromise Tanzania’s peace, security, and sovereignty.
“We will not give space to any entity—be it from within or outside—that seeks to destabilise our country,” she declared.
Although President Hassan did not name any individuals or organisations, her remarks come in the wake of the detention and deportation of three Kenyan nationals at Julius Nyerere International Airport on Sunday.
Those deported were Kenya’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, human rights advocate Lynne Ngugi, and Law Society of Kenya council member Gloria Kimani. The trio had travelled to Tanzania ahead of the court appearance of opposition politician Tundu Lissu.
Mr Lissu, who is facing charges of treason and publishing false information, appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on Monday, May 19.
