“Servants of Satan?” — Intelligence Briefing on President Samia’s Controversial Remarks and Their Implications for Tanzania’s Religious and Political Landscape

President Hassan: “Now this is what religious service is. This. And this work being done sends a message to those who present themselves as servants of religion, but who are in fact servants of Satan...”

Ujasusi Blog’s Intelligence Desk | June 6, 2025 | 0215 BST

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On 5 June 2025, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan made a highly controversial speech at a fundraising event organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (KKKT) in Dar es Salaam. Though officially a charitable event aimed at supporting orphans, the occasion became a political flashpoint after the President condemned unnamed religious figures as “servants of Satan.”

Her comments, widely interpreted as a thinly veiled attack on outspoken Pentecostal leader Bishop Josephat Gwajima, have triggered intense national and international debate. This intelligence briefing provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategic context, rhetorical messaging, socio-political implications, and forecast scenarios arising from this event.