Paul Chacha, Secretary of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), responsible for the Organization Department, has publicly stated that Security Organs and government leaders are “the property of CCM” because the party is responsible for putting them in office. Chacha made the remarks on 26 September 2026, during a special CCM meeting in Iringa Region convened to discuss preparations for the party’s 2027 internal elections and celebrations marking CCM’s 50th anniversary. He was responding to criticism from opposition parties and other stakeholders over the perceived relationship between CCM and Defense and Security Forces, as well as allegations that the party transports citizens to attend its rallies.
The statement has generated significant debate in Tanzania’s political sphere, particularly over the constitutional distinction between the ruling party and Defense and Security Forces. Legal and constitutional commentators have questioned what the remarks could mean for the relationship between CCM and the state. The remarks also raise broader questions about the independence and neutrality of government and state security institutions. To what extent are these institutions expected to operate independently of the interests and directives of the ruling party? And can opposition political parties and civil society organizations (CSOs) expect a fair and enabling environment when their activities, positions or advocacy differ from those of CCM?
More broadly, the debate highlights concerns about the separation between the ruling party and the state, and whether Defense and Security Forces are able to discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially and in the interests of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation