Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s government has issued a strong warning to foreign nationals attempting to enter the country under the guise of tourism or activism but with hidden motives to disrupt public order.
The message was delivered by the Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, during his presentation of the Ministry’s 2025/26 budget estimates in Parliament.
While emphasizing Tanzania’s continued openness to foreign investment and tourism, Bashungwa cautioned that the country would not tolerate individuals or groups who exploit these opportunities to stir unrest or provoke political tension.
“There is no space in our country for ill-intentioned foreigners,” the minister declared. “I commend our Immigration Department for their cooperation with security and defence forces in identifying and handling such cases—especially where people enter legally, only to act outside the purpose of their visas.”
His remarks follow rising regional scrutiny after the recent detention and deportation of activists from Kenya and Uganda, including Kenyan human rights advocate Martha Karua, photographer and social justice campaigner Boniface Mwangi, and Ugandan lawyer and journalist Agather Atuhaire. The trio had reportedly traveled to observe a court hearing involving Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, but were intercepted by authorities for allegedly misrepresenting the nature of their visit.
Bashungwa described the deportations as lawful and necessary, stating that while Tanzania welcomes constructive engagement, it draws a firm line when national peace is threatened.
“The enemy of any country today—including ours—does not always arrive in tanks,” he noted. “They might come disguised as activists or supporters, yet work to undermine our values and unity through covert means.”
The government has faced both support and criticism over its handling of the situation. Human rights organizations and regional observers have urged Tanzania to ensure that any security measures are applied transparently and in line with international human rights standards.
Despite the external noise, the message from Dodoma is clear: Tanzania is determined to protect its hard-won peace and national unity, especially as the country gears up for its upcoming 2025 general elections. Bashungwa concluded by calling on citizens to stay vigilant, united, and supportive of institutions that safeguard national interests.
This latest development has sparked broader conversations about the evolving nature of state security in the modern world, and the delicate balance between openness and national sovereignty.
