Speaking on Monday, August 11, 2025, during the annual retreat of senior police officers, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura assured the Tanzanian government that the police are well-prepared to ensure calm and order during and after the upcoming election.

The event, held at the Police School in Moshi, was graced by Tanzania’s Vice President, Philip Mpango. The IGP began by describing the country’s security situation, noting that it remains calm. However, he acknowledged recent challenges involving certain political actors, which the police have since addressed.

“Recently, there has been a situation where certain groups of people, under the banner of politics and activist-style democracies, began causing unrest by engaging in acts that breach peace through making inflammatory statements on various platforms, with the intention of disrupting the peace of our country,” IGP Wambura said.

READ: Tanzania Directs Police to Patrol Internet As the General Election Nears

“The Police Force has already taken appropriate legal measures to curb these criminal acts, and the situation is now calm and continues to remain calm,” he added.

Reflecting on their performance during the 2024 civic elections, the police noted that the process was smooth and orderly nationwide. He told the Vice President that they are now focusing on strategies for the upcoming general election.

“Any major and important activity must have specific plans—well-organized plans aimed at accomplishing that activity with great care. Normally, no war is fought on the battlefield; every war is fought first at the table, and it is at the table where strategies are planned,” IGP Wambura explained.

“And at the table, among the strategies planned is determining the enemy’s strength, identifying the equipment the enemy uses, so that you know whether you need to go with an AK-47, with cannons, or with some other type of weapon. It is also important to know the number of soldiers the enemy has. When you finally reach the battlefield, what you do is simply execute the strategies you have already set for yourself.”

“We are organized, we have strategies, we meet, we discuss; we are not going to war, but we are going to maintain the security, peace, and tranquility of our nation before, during, and after the elections,” Wambura emphasized.

Acknowledging the government’s budgetary support, which he said has boosted police morale, Wambura assured President Samia Suluhu Hassan of continued peace and stability, and of ensuring that the new government assumes office without incident.

“We have no worries; we assure you, and please convey these greetings to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Tell her her Police Force is doing well, tell her we are fine,” Wambura told Vice President Philip Mpango.

“All Tanzanians should be assured, all Tanzanians should remain calm, believing that this entire period will pass in a state of security and great stability, and that we will have a leader for our country and the government will assume office without any obstacles,” he emphasized.

In his speech, Vice President, Philip Mpango acknowledged police role in ensuring peace and tranquility in the country, saying they are not doing a common job, but one of great patriotism and courage. Mpango tasked the police to increase cyber surveillance ahead of the upcoming election.

“Digital platforms can be used to spread false information, incite unrest, and deliberately distort facts, which can cause panic and division within society. Furthermore, fake pictures or videos of political party candidates can bring serious harm to the peace and stability of our country,” Mpango said.

He added: “Police Force should prepare thoroughly to conduct online patrols, or as they call them cyber surveillance, in order to identify and analyze posts, pictures, and videos that show signs of breaking the law and take swift action.”