Tanzania Restricts Access to X Following Cyberattacks and False Rumors of President's Demise
In a move that has sparked controversy, Tanzania has blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) since May 2025, with the ban entering its second month as of July. This action comes just months before the country's general elections scheduled for October.
The impact on free expression is significant, as the blockage of a major platform like X limits citizens' ability to share information, discuss political issues, and organize around electoral matters in real time. Historically, similar bans during elections, such as Tanzania’s own Twitter block in October 2020 and Nigeria’s 2021 Twitter ban, have been criticized for undermining democratic discourse and restricting freedom of speech.
The shutdown of X has escalated concerns about free expression and state surveillance in Tanzania. Critics fear the government may use the cyberattacks as a justification for broader crackdowns on dissent ahead of the elections. The blockage occurred after a series of cyberattacks compromised official accounts, including the police and a government-linked telecom firm (Airtel Tanzania).
One of the posts falsely claimed President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died. The investigations into the cyberattacks are ongoing, with authorities removing the posts and launching an investigation. The police account was hacked and posts contained pornographic images and fake statements.
The blockage is viewed as a part of a pattern of digital censorship under President Hassan, who is seeking reelection. In response to the concerns, President Hassan declared that no foreigner will be allowed to disturb Tanzania's peace.
Opposition leaders, activists, and journalists in Tanzania primarily use social media platform X. The shutdown has impacted their ability to communicate and share information, raising concerns about censorship, reduced transparency, and curtailed civic engagement. Such restrictions typically restrict journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens from freely exchanging views and reporting on electoral processes, which can affect the fairness and openness of the elections.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa called the attacks a "minor incident" and urged calm, claiming digital systems remain secure. However, the continuation of the ban into the pre-election period may increase concerns about the government's intentions.
The source of the information is Africa News. Martha Karua, a Kenyan opposition leader, was denied entry into Tanzania earlier this week, planning to attend a hearing for Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. The treason charge in Tanzania is a crime punishable by death, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
As Tanzania heads towards its general elections, the blockage of X continues to raise questions about the country's commitment to free and fair elections and the protection of free speech. The ongoing investigations into the cyberattacks and the government's response will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
The cyberattacks, which compromised the accounts of official Tanzanian entities like the police and Airtel Tanzania, have intensified worries about the country's cybersecurity and state surveillance. Critics fear these incidents could serve as a pretext for broader suppression of opposition ahead of the elections, especially considering the ongoing blockage of social media platform X, widely used by opposition leaders, activists, and journalists. As the general elections approach, the uncertain resolution of these cybersecurity concerns may cloud Tanzania's commitment to free and fair elections and the protection of free speech.
