Understanding Recruitment and Radicalisation Dynamics in Tanzania
Commissioned by the FCDO and in partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam, RUSI conducted research to update understanding of the violent extremist (VE) landscape in Tanzania.
Introduction
Between October 2025 and March 2026, RUSI partnered with the University of Dar es Salaam to research domestic radicalisation and recruitment dynamics in Tanzania. The study focused on Tanga and the Zanzibari islands of Pemba and Unguja. It also examined financial, ideological and operational links between violent extremism in Tanzania and the broader region, including the Great Lakes, Central Africa and the Horn.
The analysis drew on local fieldwork (key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and community-level dialogues) alongside engagements with external experts and a review of secondary literature.
Project sponsor
The project was sponsored by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the British High Commission in Dar Es Salaam (BHCDS).
Aims and objectives
The project had three objectives:
- Enhance understanding by analysing conflict and violent extremism (VE) dynamics in Tanzania, particularly Tanga, Zanzibar and Pemba Island.
 - Examine regional links between radicalisation and recruitment in Tanzania and their contribution to broader terrorist activity in the African Great Lakes and East Africa regions.
 - Propose potential intervention and support strategies by drawing on evidence from similar contexts and identifying gaps in contemporary responses to VE in Tanzania.
Project team
Dr Jessica White
Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies
Terrorism and Conflict
Christopher Hockey
Senior Research Fellow
RUSI Nairobi
Michael Jones
Senior Research Fellow
Terrorism and Conflict
Timothy Kimaiyo
RUSI Associate Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict
Rose Chelangat
Threat Analyst | RUSI Consultant
RUSI Nairobi
Joyce Kamau
Finance & Operations, RUSI Nairobi
Finance and Accounts
UDSM team
William John Walwa
Richard Sambaiga
Project impact
Due to significant sensitivities associated with this project, the final paper was only shared within FCDO and Government of Tanzania circles. Key findings were presented to the British High Commission in Tanzania and the wider counterterrorism donor community.
The project addressed a chronic knowledge gap, comprehensively updating UK FCDO and Tanzanian government understanding of the domestic dynamics of radicalisation and recruitment.
Importantly, the project provided practical options for strategies in response to the threat of VE in the region. The recommendations for future programmes – involving state, civil society and academia – will ensure interventions are proportionate, targeted and cost-effective.
A database of VE incidents in Tanzania was created, providing a consolidated resource for future analysis and programming. However, the research also highlighted false assumptions regarding VE in Tanzania and identified residual knowledge gaps.
The participatory data collection approach adopted by UDSM served to build awareness and P/CVE capacities amongst government actors.
In partnership with
University of Dar es Salaam
RUSI conducted this research project in partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam.
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