Tanzania’s police have warned that foreign nationals have entered the country illegally with the intention of causing unrest, as the country remains tense after a disputed general election.

In a statement issued from Police Headquarters in Dodoma, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, the force said it had received intelligence reports that non-citizens have slipped into Tanzania by unofficial routes to stir violence and participate in demonstrations.

According to the police, some of the individuals are posing as boda boda riders and operating in regions including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza, Songwe and other areas.

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Appeal to its citizens

The police urged citizens to report any unfamiliar foreign nationals they are hosting or living with, especially if their activities appear suspicious. Citizens who fail to report such individuals and are later found harbouring them risk facing legal action.

“The police continue tracking them to take strict action under the law,” the statement read. “Anyone who has rented property to a foreigner or lives with a foreigner whose activities are unknown must give information immediately.”

Authorities also directed the public to report to local government offices, police stations and regional commanders.

Opposition rejects election outcome

The warning comes just days after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the October 29 election with almost 98 per cent of the vote. The result has been rejected by the main opposition party, CHADEMA, which said the election was completely fabricated. The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, could not contest after his arrest on treason charges earlier this year.

Protests broke out across several cities after the vote, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Opposition groups claim several people have died, while the United Nations human rights office has confirmed at least ten deaths in three cities.

Security has been tight in urban centres, with police patrolling streets and dispersing gatherings. Dar es Salaam’s regional commissioner has warned that anyone disturbing public order will face action.