Tanzanian Intel Claims Activists Funded by West to Cause Chaos, Vows to Crush ‘Imported Disruption’

DODOMA, Tanzania – Tanzanian authorities have accused foreign-funded networks of attempting to manipulate the country’s domestic affairs through detained and deported activists, including prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, according to an official police statement released Thursday.

The Tanzania Police Force, in collaboration with national security organs, issued a public statement alleging that recent detentions and deportations were linked to what they describe as “foreign-funded networks” seeking to threaten public order and internal security.

“No nation will allow its domestic affairs to be manipulated by external actors under any guise,” the police statement declared, signaling a hardline stance against what authorities characterize as foreign interference.

According to preliminary findings outlined in the official statement, Tanzanian intelligence claims the networks are “directly linked to previous incidents in neighboring countries and are financed by institutions such as the Open Society Foundation (OSF).”

The police specifically alleged that these organizations “operate under civil society banners but with political intentions,” suggesting coordination and support from entities based outside Tanzania.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The statement represents the first official acknowledgment from Tanzanian authorities of the specific allegations surrounding the recent detention of activists, including Mwangi, who was reportedly freed after being held in connection with protests in Nairobi.

The Tanzanian government has vowed to combat what it terms “imported disruption,” with authorities emphasizing their commitment to monitoring activities that they claim threaten the country’s sovereignty and internal security.

“Tanzania values civic engagement — but it must not be used as a tool for imported disruption,” the police statement warned, drawing a distinction between legitimate civil society activities and what authorities characterize as foreign-backed interference.

The statement indicated that further information would be provided “in due course as investigations proceed,” suggesting ongoing security operations related to the alleged networks.

## Regional Implications

The allegations come amid heightened tensions in the East African region, with Tanzanian authorities referencing “previous incidents in neighboring countries” without providing specific details. The mention of cross-border coordination suggests authorities view the issue as having broader regional security implications.

The case has drawn attention to the activities of international civil society organizations in East Africa, particularly the Open Society Foundation, which was specifically named in the official statement as allegedly funding the networks in question.

The public statement, released by the Tanzania Police Force spokesperson, emphasized the government’s determination to protect national sovereignty while maintaining that Tanzania continues to value legitimate civic engagement.

Authorities have advised the public to “remain vigilant” while investigations continue into what they describe as attempts to use civil society networks for political destabilization.

The development marks a significant escalation in Tanzania’s approach to international civil society organizations and activists, with authorities now publicly alleging direct foreign funding of domestic political activities.