Tanzania faced a cybersecurity breach earlier today when hackers compromised the Tanzania Police Force’s official X account, using the platform to spread misinformation to nearly half a million followers.
The hackers took control of the account in the morning and immediately began posting unverified content, including a fabricated report claiming the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The compromised X account, which boasts over 460k followers, had previously posted official content as recently as May 17.
This security breach comes amid rising political tensions in Tanzania. The country is experiencing increased friction between President Suluhu and opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who currently faces serious treason charges.
Lissu was arrested following a political rally where he promoted his “No Reforms, No Election” campaign, which advocates for electoral commission reforms ahead of Tanzania’s October elections.
Just one day before the hack, President Suluhu delivered a televised address during the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy, expressing concern about foreign interference in domestic affairs.
“We have observed a trend of activists from within our region attempting to intrude in our affairs,” the President stated, instructing security forces to prevent “ill-mannered individuals from other countries” from disrupting Tanzania’s peace.
Her comments followed the deportation of several Kenyan rights activists who had attempted to enter Tanzania, including People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
The police social media account has been an important communication channel between law enforcement and the public, regularly sharing updates about criminal proceedings and police initiatives. Authorities have not yet confirmed who might be responsible for the hack.
The timing of this cybersecurity incident is not surprising given the deteriorating political freedoms. When President Suluhu first took office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, she initially received praise for reversing some of his more authoritarian policies.
However, critics now point to increased targeting of opposition members through arrests and alleged abductions.
Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 when he was shot 16 times, had recently returned to Tanzania in 2023 after a period of exile. His “No Reforms, No Election” campaign specifically challenges the current electoral commission structure, arguing against the President’s direct appointment powers over commission members.
The police have responded to growing political demonstrations with force, recently using tear gas to disperse Chadema party supporters attempting to hold a press conference about Lissu’s arrest. Despite this, party supporters remain determined to continue pushing for electoral reforms.
Human rights organizations have condemned these tactics, accusing the government of using state institutions to silence political opposition.
