This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62lj51kj2jo

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Captain Tesha: Tanzania issues social media warning after video calls for military 'action' Captain Tesha: Tanzania issues social media warning after video calls for military 'action'
(about 3 hours later)
Tanzanian police have warned against the use of social media to spread misinformation following a widely shared video of an alleged military officer criticising the government, three weeks ahead of general elections.Tanzanian police have warned against the use of social media to spread misinformation following a widely shared video of an alleged military officer criticising the government, three weeks ahead of general elections.
Identifying himself as "Capt Tesha" from the air force, he accuses the government of corruption, rights violations and political interference in the military.Identifying himself as "Capt Tesha" from the air force, he accuses the government of corruption, rights violations and political interference in the military.
The military did not respond to BBC inquiries about his identity and the BBC has not been able to verify whether he is a serving officer.The military did not respond to BBC inquiries about his identity and the BBC has not been able to verify whether he is a serving officer.
The purported officer urges military chief Jacob Mkunda to take action and ensure the country is united, and uphold citizen's rights.The purported officer urges military chief Jacob Mkunda to take action and ensure the country is united, and uphold citizen's rights.
He also encourages Tanzanians to push for their rights and hold demonstrations, saying the security forces are behind them.He also encourages Tanzanians to push for their rights and hold demonstrations, saying the security forces are behind them.
"We cannot let the nation be lost in the hands of some few people. I also advise my chief of defence to take action against what is happening in the country," he says."We cannot let the nation be lost in the hands of some few people. I also advise my chief of defence to take action against what is happening in the country," he says.
It comes as Tanzania is preparing to hold general elections amid a tense environment.It comes as Tanzania is preparing to hold general elections amid a tense environment.
Tanzanian ex-ambassador and government critic abducted, family says
Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent?Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent?
Why Samia's hesitant reforms are fuelling Tanzanian political angerWhy Samia's hesitant reforms are fuelling Tanzanian political anger
In an apparent response to the viral video, the military has warned against attempts to draw it into politics.In an apparent response to the viral video, the military has warned against attempts to draw it into politics.
Military spokesman Col Bernard Masala Mlunga said such information was being posted by individuals "claiming military affiliation or are former members dismissed for misconduct or political activism".Military spokesman Col Bernard Masala Mlunga said such information was being posted by individuals "claiming military affiliation or are former members dismissed for misconduct or political activism".
"The TPDF [Tanzania People's Defence Force] continues to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, loyalty, and professionalism, in full accordance with the [Tanzanian] laws," he said in a statement."The TPDF [Tanzania People's Defence Force] continues to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, loyalty, and professionalism, in full accordance with the [Tanzanian] laws," he said in a statement.
On Sunday, the police warned that sharing of "criminal and inflammatory" information was a misuse of social media driven by ill intentions.On Sunday, the police warned that sharing of "criminal and inflammatory" information was a misuse of social media driven by ill intentions.
"The [police force] assures Tanzanians that it will continue to hunt for [those sharing such content], arrest them and bring them to justice," it said in a statement."The [police force] assures Tanzanians that it will continue to hunt for [those sharing such content], arrest them and bring them to justice," it said in a statement.
Tanzanian opposition activists have been re-sharing the viral video on social media, interpreting it as a sign of military solidarity with them.Tanzanian opposition activists have been re-sharing the viral video on social media, interpreting it as a sign of military solidarity with them.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking to retain the presidency under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in the forthcoming elections.President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking to retain the presidency under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in the forthcoming elections.
The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the polls, and its leader Tundu Lissu has been detained since April.The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the polls, and its leader Tundu Lissu has been detained since April.
He faces treason charges, and a hearing was due to start on Monday. Human rights groups say the charges are politically motivated and meant to silence him.He faces treason charges, and a hearing was due to start on Monday. Human rights groups say the charges are politically motivated and meant to silence him.
Critics of the government have also been targeted in recent months and there are growing concerns about whether the 29 October elections will be free and fair.Critics of the government have also been targeted in recent months and there are growing concerns about whether the 29 October elections will be free and fair.
Many civil society groups, journalists, and political observers say the government has tightened control over the media, public gatherings and opposition activities.Many civil society groups, journalists, and political observers say the government has tightened control over the media, public gatherings and opposition activities.
You may also be interested in: More about Tanzania from the BBC:
'A bullet went through my skull': Tanzania abduction survivor'A bullet went through my skull': Tanzania abduction survivor
Could this be the end of the road for Lissu, Tanzania's great survivor?Could this be the end of the road for Lissu, Tanzania's great survivor?
'Struggling to be alive': Kenyan activist speaks of 'sexual torture' in Tanzania'Struggling to be alive': Kenyan activist speaks of 'sexual torture' in Tanzania
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafricaFollow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica