Govt raises alarm Over disinformation after Foreign Affairs budget speech

By The Respondents Reporter

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has raised concern over what it describes as a growing wave of disinformation and misleading narratives circulating on social media following the presentation of its 2026/2027 budget speech in Parliament.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said some online platforms had deliberately distorted the content and context of the speech delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, on May 26, 2026, with the intention of misleading the public and undermining Tanzania’s image.

The ministry warned that the spread of inaccurate information risks creating confusion among citizens while weakening key national values, including diplomacy, sovereignty and unity.

“The ministry recognises that information being circulated in some online platforms has deliberately distorted the actual content and context of the speech with the intention of creating confusion among the public and undermining the image of our country,” the statement said.

The remarks come amid intense public debate following parliamentary discussions on Tanzania’s foreign policy direction and the country’s position on international relations and sovereignty.

The ministry said it would continue issuing official clarifications through mainstream media and other communication channels to ensure the public receives accurate information and a proper understanding of the government’s position on issues raised during the budget debate.

At the same time, the government commended local media outlets for facilitating what it termed a broad and constructive national discussion on the speech.

According to the ministry, the debate reflected national solidarity and support for views expressed by Members of Parliament on the need to safeguard Tanzania’s sovereignty, dignity and unity.

The ministry described the public engagement as a sign of the maturity of Tanzania’s diplomacy and democracy, particularly at a time when discussions surrounding the involvement of some foreign countries in the internal affairs of other nations continue to attract global attention.

“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania will continue to firmly uphold the principles of sovereignty, national dignity and non-interference in internal affairs,” the statement noted.

It added that Tanzania would continue strengthening diplomatic relations based on equality, mutual respect and shared interests, in line with the country’s foreign policy principles.

The ministry also called on social media users, media stakeholders and the public to exercise freedom of expression responsibly and professionally.

It stressed that public communication should uphold ethics, comply with the country’s laws and contribute to preserving peace, national unity and the dignity of the country.

The statement underscores growing government concern over the role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse, especially during sensitive national debates involving governance, diplomacy and international relations.