ON Friday, Internet users across Tanzania found themselves unable to access X (formerly known as Twitter) as major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including Airtel, Vodacom, Halotel, Tigo, and TTCL enforced a block on the platform. The restrictions mean that Tanzanians can only reach the platform through a Virtual Private Network (VPN), disrupting various functions of X such as the Image Content Delivery Network (CDN), Mobile API, and the ability to upload multimedia content.
The move comes on the heels of growing political unrest in the country. The Tanzanian police recently warned of potential plans by opposition party Chadema to raid police stations holding political prisoners. On August 30, authorities issued a notice claiming that Chadema members were using platforms like Zoom to organise protests, further heightening tensions. Earlier in the month, Chadema’s chairman, Tundu Lissu, along with the party’s youth wing leader, were arrested, escalating the political situation.
Human rights activists, including prominent figure Maria Sarungi Tsehai, have been rallying support online, using hashtags like #Fre.eThemAll and #Fre.eDeusdedithSoka to demand the release of detained political figures. However, the internet restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for activists to spread their message and mobilise support.
Internet blackouts and disruptions are not new in Africa. Similar occurrences have been seen in Kenya after the Finance Bill 2024 protests and in Senegal following election delays. In particular, X has faced over 10,000 hours of intentional downtime in 2023 alone, signalling a worrying trend in government-controlled internet access.
The recent actions by Tanzania’s government have raised serious concerns about censorship and the suppression of opposition voices, as the country grapples with rising political tension. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see how Tanzania will navigate these challenges in the digital age.
Credit: Africa Briefing
