DODOMA, Tanzania — Tanzania has begun a nationwide crackdown targeting foreigners accused of fueling deadly unrest that rocked the country following last week’s disputed elections.
Authorities say the operation—described as intelligence-led—is underway in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, and Songwe, where hotels, homes, and businesses are being searched for suspects allegedly linked to three days of post-election violence.
The government also warned that citizens found circulating what it called “inciting or destabilizing messages” online could face treason charges, as the country reels from reports of hundreds of deaths during the protests.
Although officials have not released casualty figures, opposition parties and human rights groups claim that nearly 1,000 people were killed when security forces opened fire on demonstrators.
Grisly images of the aftermath began circulating online this week after the government restored internet services following a five-day blackout.
In a nationwide text message on Monday evening, police cautioned the public against sharing graphic or provocative content, saying such actions amount to criminal offences under Tanzanian law.
“Avoid sharing photos or videos that may cause panic or demean a person’s dignity. Doing so is a criminal offence, and if found, strict legal action will be taken,” the message read in part.
The warnings came hours after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in at a closed-door ceremony at a military facility in Dodoma.
The event, broadcast live on state television, was attended by several regional dignitaries, including Kenya’s Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
In her inaugural speech, President Suluhu accused unnamed “foreign actors” of attempting to destabilize the country through social media and underground networks.
“It did not surprise us to learn that some of the young people arrested in connection with those riots came from outside the country,” she said, directing security agencies to restore order and ensure normal life resumes immediately.
A day before the inauguration, police said they had intelligence that foreigners were planning fresh demonstrations, claiming some were operating under the guise of casual jobs such as motorcycle taxi work.
“Tanzania Police have received information that a group of foreign nationals are in the country with the aim of committing crimes, including creating chaos,” police spokespersons said in a statement.
Authorities warned that Tanzanians found harboring undocumented foreigners would face arrest and prosecution.
President Suluhu, who was declared the winner of the October 29 election with nearly 98 percent of the vote, has faced mounting criticism over the poll’s credibility.
Her main rival, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema opposition party, remains in detention facing treason charges.
