Tanzania has been accused of shutting down internet access and restricting social media around recent elections that saw protests accusing the state of hindering democracy after the main opposition party, Chadema, was barred from participating, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges.
Another major opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified. In the event, President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the disputed election with over 97% of the vote and was sworn in for a second term.
Internet blackouts were first reported on 29 October, the day Tanzanians headed to the polls. Media and human rights organisations have strongly condemned the government for continued use of internet censorship to supress political issues.
It’s not clear that connectivity has yet been completely restored following a five-day cut-off, which affected various services including communications and online payments.
Global internet monitor NetBlocks has reported that Tanzania may still be implementing restrictions to multiple social media and messaging platforms, notably TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger. It said on 3 November: “Live metrics show widespread restrictions to multiple social media and messaging platforms as Tanzania comes back online after a five-day internet shutdown; the incident continues to limit election transparency and the free flow of information.”
The African Union’s African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has emphasised that the internet plays a significant role in advancing human rights in the region, particularly around ensuring that elections are free, fair and credible.
However Amnesty International has noted that the country’s leadership has restricted access three times in less than a year.
Similar actions have been reported in other African countries recently, including Mozambique and Mauritius, where social media access was blocked for a time in late 2024.
But it’s not just about Africa. Nepal, Sudan and Vietnam are among other countries where voice and video calls or social media have been blocked this year.
However, the most drastic recent action seems to have been in Afghanistan, where at one point the country effectively experienced a total internet blackout as Taliban authorities enforced new morality restrictions.
