from ALLOYCE KIMBUNGA in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania Bureau
DAR-ES-SALAAM, (CAJ News) – DAMNING allegations by an air force captain ahead of elections in Tanzania have sent shockwaves in a country where like most in Africa, it is taboo for uniformed forces to criticise the government.
The statement by Captain John Charles Tesha, as he is quoted as demanding change in the country and accusing President Samia Suluhu Hassan as having no vision for Tanzania, has gone viral and adds to the tensions already burdening an already charged atmosphere.
“It’s up to the citizens to take action, especially Gen Z’s,” he is quoted in the video, with this message seen as a call to the youngsters to protest.
It is also seen as a call agitating for the overthrow of the government.
The accusations are reminiscent of the explosive allegations by a South African police general who in July alleged crime kingpins had “captured” the state.
Past and present governments and presidents in Tanzania have not been spared the scathing accusations.
Tesha is a serving officer in the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and a weapons instructor at the Military Aviation School.
He was promoted to captain in 2022.
Among the most serious allegations he made are “deep state” influence, which is said to comprise influential figures in the military, police, judiciary, finance and media and operating without public accountability.
Former President Jakaya Kikwete and businessman Rostam Azizi are cited as key figures orchestrating this network, which Tesha claims is responsible for selling national resources, rigging elections and suppressing dissent.
The captain is opposed to the ongoing electoral process, describing it as a “trap” orchestrated by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party of President Hassan, the incumbent in elections later this month.
Tesha bemoaned the government’s suppression of citizens’ voices and opposition parties and the imprisonment of opposition leaders as well as the erosion of democracy.
On Monday, it was reported former ambassador and government critic, Humphrey Polepole, had been abducted by unknown individuals.
Tesha’s sentiments come amid a renewed spate of abductions and protests against the allegedly unfair electoral field.
“Woe to the police or anyone who will prevent Tanzanians from exercising their right to protest,” he said.
Corruption and resource plunder are said to have increased under the Suluhu administration, particularly on contracts involving ports, mines and minerals.
In the video that has gone viral, Tesha said he had formally communicated his concerns to his superiors, including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and warned of the ramifications of a contested election outcome.
He emphasised a readiness to “face the consequences” of his actions.
Human rights activist, Liberatus Mwang’ombe, said, “Captain Tesha spoke truth to power – called out the big names, demanded arrests and told police: hands off the people, protest is a right, not a crime.”
Tausi Likokola, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, human rights advocate and former international model, said, “At this point, it really does not matter whether it is his (Tesha’s) personal statement -just as many of us have raised concerns.”
She added, “What matters is that concerns are being raised. Now, when we see even a symbol in uniform articulating and adding to these concerns -joining many other wananchi -this should be taken very seriously.”
TPDF has issued a public warning against the circulation of the video.
“Some of those advancing such claims include former soldiers dismissed for unsatisfactory conduct, alongside individuals presenting themselves as activists or those with military connections,” acting spokesperson, Colonel Bernard Mlunga, said of the contents.
Police warned those circulating the video faced arrest for “abusing” social media.
Polls are set for October 29 with Suluhu tipped for victory after her main rivals were barred from participating.
– CAJ News