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Private Strategic Group

Case Study

Coordinated Intelligence Operations During the Tanzania Electoral Crisis

5 Feb 2026


people in the streets before Zanzibar elections

Situational Analysis

In late 2025, Tanzania entered a period of profound political instability following one of the most contentious presidential elections in its history. Allegations of electoral fraud and political repression ignited widespread protests across the country, led primarily by a highly mobilized generation of young activists demanding transparency and systemic change. Violent demonstrations were met with deadly force and mass arrests; with opposition groups claiming fatalities ranging from hundreds to thousands.

Public frustration was further amplified by economic hardships, including severe fuel and food shortages, which compounded the sense of disenfranchisement among citizens. These conditions created a dangerous environment for client movements and risk assessments. Traditional open-source intelligence channels became unreliable due to internet outages, but as a GardaWorld Company, Crisis24’s power is amplified by their vast network of security professionals. GardaWorld worked alongside clients in-the-field to extricate people and provide valuable intelligence to security operations teams

Crisis24 in Action

Against this backdrop, Crisis24 received numerous requests for assistance and immediately responded, gathering intelligence, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating with on-the-ground security teams to determine safe routes of travel, operational plans, and contingency strategies. A significant advantage for Crisis24 was our vast network of in-country security infrastructure and personnel through our parent company, GardaWorld. As open-source intelligence channels became increasingly unreliable due to internet outages, we could rely on these assets for detailed and accurate intelligence to support our clients and operational teams.  

One of the most complex operations involved the extraction of volunteer nurses stranded in Tarime near the Kenyan border. The situation was exacerbated by the town's remote location, the nurses dwindling resources, and unconfirmed reports of targeted violence against women. Our Global Operations Center swiftly implemented secure communication protocols and worked with GardaWorld intelligence experts to map unrest hotspots and monitor curfews, while establishing a comprehensive evacuation strategy with the security team on the ground. Additionally, charter flights were arranged, and visas were secured in advance of departure for their intended destination.  Once conditions were optimal, the operation was set in motion; secure ground transfer on pre-assessed routes meant a safe arrival at the airport. By utilizing charter flights, disrupted commercial routes could be bypassed—accelerating extraction timelines.

Throughout the process, Crisis24 maintained transparent communication with the nurses, their leadership, and insurers, ensuring expectations were clear and operational surprises minimized. These efforts culminated in a safe and successful evacuation, earning high commendations from the client for our dedicated and coordinated approach.

“Your professionalism, efficiency, and clear communication provided immense reassurance to our team in Tarime, as well as to myself, our Australian team, and our Country Manager in Tanzania. Your dedication and care have made an extraordinary difference and I cannot thank you enough for keeping everyone safe and informed throughout this challenging time.”

-Chief Executive Officer 

Outcome

In the midst of challenging conditions, the coordinated response of Crisis24, backed by GardaWorld, showed exceptional results with the safe evacuation of the nurses from Tanzania. With continuous and transparent communication, all parties were kept informed at every step, reducing anxiety and enabling seamless progress toward the successful completion of the operation.  

Crisis24 also planned layered support operations for numerous other clients, ranging from intelligence and guidance updates to secure internal movements and chartered and commercial air evacuations—depending on the client needs and the best options for a safe and successful outcome. Our precision and thorough planning highlighted how our global network and flexible response frameworks allowed for informed decisions and operational continuity despite the challenges. The insights garnered from these operations will help shape future crisis response strategies and further strengthen our commitment to operational excellence and client-first solutions in complex, high-stakes environments. 

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