DAR ES SALAAM — Early Tuesday morning, Tanzania’s national police found themselves at the centre of a digital storm after their official X account was hacked. The breach caused panic after the hackers falsely claimed President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died.
The compromised account, which has over 468,000 followers, was used to post a series of unverified messages, including a fake death announcement. At one point, the intruders even hosted a live video broadcast. The account’s last legitimate post had been on Saturday, 17 May.
The Tanzanian government has yet to issue a formal statement on who might be behind the breach. However, police say an investigation is underway.
“This is a serious matter,” said a senior police officer who asked not to be named. “We are working closely with cybersecurity experts to trace the source and prevent further damage.”
The account is normally used to update the public on police operations, criminal investigations, and community safety efforts. Its sudden use to spread misinformation has raised serious questions about the force’s digital security.
The timing of the hack has also drawn attention.
Tensions are already high in Tanzania following the recent arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. Lissu, a fierce critic of President Suluhu, has long accused the government of stifling dissent.
On Monday, just a day before the hack, President Suluhu took a firm stance against what she described as foreign interference in Tanzania’s internal matters. Her comments came after several Kenyan human rights activists were barred from attending Lissu’s court hearing and later deported to Nairobi.
“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” Suluhu said in a televised address during the launch of the country’s new foreign policy.
“If they have been controlled in their country, let them not come to disrupt us,” she added. “They have already destabilised their countries, and the only remaining peaceful nation is Tanzania.”
Her words have sparked both support and criticism. Some citizens applauded the firm stance, calling it a defence of national sovereignty. Others raised concerns over increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and civil society.
As of Tuesday morning, the police X account had been locked, and all unauthorised posts were removed. Authorities have urged the public not to believe or share any suspicious updates until official communication is restored.
“We advise all citizens to rely on official government channels and verified media,” said the Ministry of Information in a short notice.
Meanwhile, human rights groups across East Africa are watching closely. The hacking incident, mixed with growing political tension, paints a complex picture of Tanzania’s digital and democratic space.
More details are expected as investigations continue.
