Samia’s directive to police ahead of General Election

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Monday, June 9, 2025, directed the Police Force to proactively respond to any signs of unrest that may arise before, during, or after the general election scheduled for October this year.

The Head of State stressed that police must not wait for disturbances to erupt but instead begin addressing early indicators of instability.

She issued a similar directive to the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) on January 22, 2024, urging them to prepare thoroughly due to the nature of elections, which involve many people and competing political interests, making outcomes uncertain.

While addressing the passing-out parade of police officers and assistant inspectors for the 2024/25 cohort in Dar es Salaam, President Hassan emphasised the need for strategic planning to safeguard peace.

“I urge you to be fully prepared to control any signs of unrest. Let us not wait for peace to be disrupted before we act—intervene early,” she said.

Inspector General of Police Camilius Wambura echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that no individual would be tolerated if they attempted to disturb the peace and stability before, during, or after the polls.

“You have our assurance that this country is safe. The Police Force will not tolerate anyone who attempts to disrupt peace in any form. We value the nation’s peace and will guard it jealously throughout the electoral period,” he declared.

The Commandant of the Police Academy in Dar es Salaam, Mr Lazaro Mambosasa, also noted that the graduating officers had been equipped with the necessary skills to protect peace and enforce the law during the upcoming elections in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

“We’ve ensured that these officers are well-prepared to enforce the laws of the land to maintain peace and stability before, during and after the elections,” he said, adding that students were also given time to register for voting.

Turning to the issue of road accidents, President Hassan challenged the Police Force to develop a concrete strategy to eliminate what she termed the “spirit of accidents” haunting the country.

She cited Sunday’s accident in Mbeya, where 28 people were killed and 12 others injured after a lorry rammed into another vehicle. The President revealed that between January and April this year alone, 1,322 accidents had been recorded, resulting in 1,275 deaths—an increase of nine percent compared to the same period last year.

“Despite the measures we take, the number of accidents continues to rise. Let’s assess this area carefully. If the problem lies with our roads, let’s redirect investments into fixing them. If it’s driver negligence, let’s provide training and enforce stricter conditions for one to become a driver.”

The Head of State also called for stricter enforcement measures, noting that the rise in road deaths demands a more robust and well-thought-out approach from traffic officers.

She further urged police officers to uphold integrity and serve as role models. She condemned corruption, crime and indiscipline within the force, warning that Tanzanians expect officers to be defenders of citizens’ rights, not perpetrators of misconduct.

“These are serious illnesses within the force. I won’t say they’ve disappeared; they’re still present. From time to time, I receive video clips and I immediately forward them to the IGP. I’m grateful he acts promptly.”

President Hassan asked the graduating officers to actively fight against corruption, stressing that their training was not to empower them to oppress the public but to provide answers to the people’s grievances.

She praised the police ethics anthem, saying if all officers adhered to its principles, the Police Force could become the best in East Africa.

“To be honest, we are beginning to witness significant changes in the Police Force. Discipline, performance and public complaints have notably improved.”

President Hassan also called for continued professional development aligned with modern challenges, noting that criminals are now employing more sophisticated tactics.

She urged police management to implement the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Commission and pledged to address challenges faced by the force through increased tools and benefits as the budget allows.

In his remarks, Mr Wambura reviewed the country’s security progress since President Hassan took office, citing a decline in cases of robbery, theft and banditry due to increased police morale, facilitated by promotions and improved welfare.

He said that new recruitments have helped fill gaps in various regional commands, while training and the provision of working tools have strengthened the force.

“We are sending officers for training abroad to countries like Egypt, Russia, China, the United States, Turkey and India. At any one time, we deploy more than 30 officers.”

Mr Mambosasa said the graduating class was taught 13 subjects and assessed through classroom exams, practicals and character monitoring, adding that seven officers were disqualified due to misconduct.