A major public debate has erupted after a senior Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) official declared that the country’s defence and security organs are the property of the ruling party. Paul Chacha, CCM’s Secretary for Organisation, made the remarks in Iringa on September 26, 2026, during a party meeting held in preparation for CCM’s internal elections.
“Who doesn’t know that all the defence and security organs are the property of Chama Cha Mapinduzi? Who doesn’t know that all the ministers of the United Republic of Tanzania are the property of Chama Cha Mapinduzi? Who doesn’t know that the Minister of Defence is the property of Chama Cha Mapinduzi?” Chacha said.
On social media, many have argued that Chacha merely said out loud what has long been true, and that this is why there are persistent calls for a new constitution that would close the loopholes allowing CCM to treat the security organs as its own.
Even under the current constitution, however, no political party has any mandate over the security organs. In his remarks, Chacha also argued that the government is formed on the basis of the CCM constitution.
“They say, oh, Chama Cha Mapinduzi is entangling itself with the state. I mean, we won this state, we formed the government, we appointed the Minister for Home Affairs, we appointed the Minister for Defence, we appointed the Minister for Transport, and all the other ministers,” said Chacha, who previously served on the ruling party’s influential ethics committee. “The government we form is derived from our Chama Cha Mapinduzi constitution.”
He continued: “We appointed the IGP, we appointed the Director of National Intelligence, we appointed the Chief of Defence Forces, and then we’re supposed to say, ‘Go on, do your work, we don’t want to see you’?”
Chacha’s statement contrasts with remarks made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on December 15, 2025, when she urged the armed forces to stay out of politics.
“My call to you is this: do not allow our army to be tarnished. We must not allow or protect anyone, whether of high or low rank, who seeks to turn our defence institution into a tool of political pressure. This institution is separate from politics. Whether CCM is in government, or CHADEMA, or any other party, this institution exists solely to protect the country and its citizens. So politics and this institution are separate,” President Samia said.
READ MORE: Tanzania Army Warns Against Push on Social Media to Involve It in Political Affairs
Chacha’s remarks also come roughly three months after the Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, told ITV in an interview on June 8, 2026, that the police do not carry out their duties along political lines.
“The police force is not governed by the rules of a political party, and the police force is not led by a political party leader,” Katambi said.
CHADEMA Vice Chairman John Heche said the party would issue its position on the statement, adding that it confirmed claims the party has been making for years.
“Today, a top CCM leader has confirmed to Tanzanians and to the world, for those who thought we were lying or making things up about them… the police, the Intelligence Service and the People’s Defence Force should listen to Mr Chacha,” Heche wrote on Instagram.
“The defence and security organs are the property of CCM, and the heads of those organs are CCM members and cadres. Is it right for millions of Tanzanians to pay taxes that are used to fund state organs that belong to CCM? Our party will speak in detail on this matter and set out its full position,” he added.
READ MORE: President Samia Urges Tanzania’s Military to Remain Apolitical Amidst Tensions
Chacha’s remarks come at a time when the ruling party, through its spokesperson Kenan Kihongosi, has been working to defend the country’s security organs, particularly the police, which surveys including the 2022 Integrity Survey on Public Service and National Governance and Corruption Survey (2020), have repeatedly ranked among the institutions with the lowest public trust.
Since the fallout from the October 29, 2025 general election, the security organs, including the army, which has long enjoyed the highest level of public trust among Tanzanians, have faced intense scrutiny. The army has recently stepped up its presence on social media, informing the public about its work and related activities. Many analysts see this as an effort to bridge the gap between one of the country’s key institutions and citizens.
