Tanzania military distances itself from politics ahead of 2025 polls
Colonel Bernard Mlunga, the Acting Director of Information and Relations, said the force had noted "misleading social media posts" attempting to associate the military with political affairs.
The Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) has moved to distance itself from domestic politics, reaffirming that it remains a neutral and professional institution devoted solely to its constitutional mandate.
In a weekend statement, Colonel Bernard Mlunga, the Acting Director of Information and Relations, said the force had noted "misleading social media posts" attempting to associate the military with political affairs.
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He dismissed the claims, saying they often originate from "individuals falsely claiming affiliation with the TPDF or those previously dismissed due to misconduct or political involvement."
"The TPDF wishes to assure the public that it will continue to execute its constitutional duties faithfully, obediently, and professionally, in line with our oath," said Col. Mlunga, emphasising the military's apolitical stance in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections.
This follows a viral video by an individual identifying himself as Captain Tesha, saying he is an officer from the Air Wing, attached to the SAK unit (military school).
In a more than two-hour video livestreamed on Saturday, October 5, 2025, Tesha criticised Tanzania's political trajectory ahead of the upcoming elections and called for military intervention—a move that sparked widespread debate and prompted a response from the army.
The Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) did not explicitly confirm or deny whether Tesha had ties to the military. Instead, it issued a carefully worded statement, noting that: "Some of these statements are being made by people in military-related environments, those associating themselves with the army. Those who were dismissed from service due to bad behaviour and misconduct, as well as due to engaging in politics and activism."
In his remarks, Tesha voiced strong criticism of the government, accusing authorities of cracking down on the opposition party CHADEMA, overseeing abductions, and enabling grand corruption. He also called for an investigation into the death of former President John Pombe Magufuli.
Tesha further claimed that the army remains the only institution still trusted by citizens and urged it to intervene to "correct the direction of the country."
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