In a shocking and rather interesting turn of events, Captain John Charles Tesha, a serving officer in the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (JWTZ), has raised serious concerns about the country’s stability and governance. Captain Tesha, a weapons instructor at the Military Aviation School (SAK), cited widespread corruption, electoral malpractices, and human rights abuses as major threats to national security.

Captain Tesha accused the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), of undermining democracy by monopolizing power, distributing positions among loyalists, and manipulating electoral processes to maintain control. He also alleged that a secretive “deep state” network, comprising influential figures in the military, police, judiciary, finance, and media, is operating without public accountability.

The firebrand officer specifically named former President Jakaya Kikwete, Abdul Samia-President Samia’s son, Director of Security Mombo and businessman Rostam Azizi as key figures orchestrating this network, which he claims is responsible for selling national resources, rigging elections, and suppressing dissent. Captain Tesha also cited instances of electoral fraud, including falsified results and voter suppression through NIDA identification systems.

He condemned the government’s failure to heed public concerns, noting that citizens face intimidation, abductions, and killings for expressing their views.  He says such violates Tanzania’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to free expression and underscores the importance of public opinion in governance.

Tesha highlighted widespread human rights abuses, including abductions, disappearances, and killings of critics. Specific instances include the displacement of the Maasai community from Ngorongoro and Loliondo, the closure of specific Christian churches, and attacks on religious leaders like Father Kitima.