President Samia Suluhu Hassan has warned activists she labels as 'activists by name' that the state will take action against actions linked to terrorism.The remarks were made during a July 9, 2026 agreement signing between the ruling party and opposition ACT Wazalendo in Zanzibar.

She criticized individuals who use patriotic rhetoric for personal gain, emphasizing that true patriotism involves building the nation rather than destroying it.The warning comes amid tensions following calls for demonstrations on July 7, which were canceled after police warned of potential violence.Activists claimed peaceful protests aimed at accountability over election-related deaths and political reforms.President Samia framed terrorism as acts disrupting peace, damaging infrastructure, or intimidating society.

Opposition leader John Mnyika accused the government of weaponizing terrorism accusations against activists, citing arrests and alleged forced confessions.

The debate highlights tensions between state security and civil liberties, with critics arguing restrictions on formal institutions like political parties have pushed activism into the spotlight.Civil society groups raised concerns about criminalizing activism, while others noted technology's role in enabling grassroots mobilization.