The arrest of Clemence Mwandambo on the 22nd of November, 2025, a nursery school teacher from Mbeya, has become a striking example of Tanzania’s shrinking space for free expression. What began as straightforward online criticism has been treated as a serious criminal matter, showing the extent to which the government is tightening control over public speech.
His detention for posting views on the critical issue of reconciliation that the government is currently pushing in attempt to move on without facing accountability, on Facebook and Instagram mirrors a trend that civil society groups have documented repeatedly in the periods following national elections. Citizens who speak openly about political issues increasingly find themselves facing intimidation, police interrogation and criminal allegations designed to discourage public debate.
Reports from human rights organizations show that more than one hundred and twenty five people have been detained in the months following recent elections for political commentary, questions about governance, concerns about disappearances and civic freedoms as well as matters as trivial as tiktok trends mocking the president. The charges vary but the pattern is clear. Authorities often rely on broad accusations connected to incitement, false information or cybercrime, and in some serious cases even treason. Human rights observers warn that these accusations are frequently used in ways that dissuade Tanzanians from participating in public life, especially those who express views that challenge official narratives.
Mwandambo’s situation is particularly unsettling because he is not a political actor. He is a teacher, an ordinary citizen who raised concerns shared by many others. His posts questioned the government’s message of reconciliation and asked whether the reality experienced by citizens matches the promises made publicly. This climate of fear has created a country where silence often feels safer than honesty. Sensitive topics such as the treatment of activists, the fairness of political processes and the safety of outspoken citizens are discussed quietly or not at all. Many young people hesitate to post their opinions. Teachers and journalists hold back on reporting or commentary. Ordinary citizens second guess their words before speaking or writing. When a society becomes fearful of expressing itself, its democratic foundations weaken, not because people lack opinions but because they feel unsafe sharing them.
Tanzania is home to a generation of thoughtful and energetic young citizens who wish to contribute to their country’s growth. For participation to be meaningful, people must trust that laws are applied fairly and that speaking their minds will not place them in danger. Mwandambo’s arrest has struck a nerve precisely because it illustrates how fragile that trust has become. If disagreement about political issues can lead to a criminal investigation, it becomes harder for citizens to believe in reconciliation or national unity.
The case of Clemence Mwandambo raises urgent questions for the country. It demands reflection on the kind of speech that should fall under legal scrutiny and the kind that must be protected as a democratic right. It forces the public to consider why broad accusations related to incitement appear so frequently after elections, and how reconciliation can be viewed as genuine when criticism is met with arrest. Most importantly, it challenges Tanzania to decide what kind of civic environment it wants to uphold. A society that defends free expression strengthens its democracy. A society that punishes peaceful criticism risks creating an atmosphere of fear and silence.
As this case continues to develop, it will play a significant role in shaping national conversations about freedom, accountability and the future of civic participation in Tanzania. Whether the country moves toward greater openness or deeper restraint will depend on how it chooses to treat voices like Mwandambo’s.
Below is the video that got Clemence Mwandambo arrested.