Photo credit: BBC
Police in Tanzania have warned against the use of social media to spread misinformation following a widely shared video of an alleged military officer criticizing the government.
Identifying himself as “Capt Tesha” from the air force, the man accuses the government of corruption, rights violations and political interference in the military. He urges military chief Jacob Mkunda to take action and ensure the country is united, and to uphold citizens’ rights.
Saying the security forces are behind them, he also encourages Tanzanians to push for their rights and hold demonstrations.
This comes as Tanzania prepares to hold general elections within a tense environment.
However, in an apparent reference to the viral video, the military has warned against attempts to draw it into politics.
On Sunday, the police warned against sharing of “criminal and inflammatory” information, saying it was a misuse of social media driven by ill intentions.
Meanwhile, opposition activists have been re-sharing the viral video on social media. They are interpreting it as a sign of the military’s solidarity with them.
