Tanzania has begun restricting access to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in what officials say is a move to stop the spread of pornographic content. But critics warn that the decision fits a pattern of digital clampdowns ahead of a tense election season.
Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed the move in a televised interview this week, saying X had violated the country’s “laws, culture, customs, and traditions.”
“X allows sexually explicit material, including same-sex pornography,” he said. “That content is against our online ethics and has no place in our society.”
The shutdown follows a string of embarrassing incidents in recent weeks. On 20 May, Tanzania’s national police X account was hacked. It began showing graphic adult content and posted false claims, including one that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died. Around the same time, the tax authority’s YouTube account was also compromised, with similar results.
Independent watchdog NetBlocks confirmed a sharp drop in access to X across Tanzania shortly after the hacking incident.
But human rights groups say this isn’t just about content moderation.
“This move fits a troubling pattern of digital repression,” the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) wrote on X. The group noted that a similar shutdown occurred ahead of the 2020 elections. It warns the latest action threatens to further close off online spaces for free speech as the country gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections in October.
LHRC also pointed out what it called hypocrisy: “Government accounts are still active on X while ordinary citizens can’t access it without VPNs. That inconsistency confuses the public and undermines trust.”
The restriction extends beyond X. Users in Tanzania have reported difficulties accessing Clubhouse and Telegram, unless they use virtual private networks.
Minister Silaa defended the broader restrictions, saying the government is determined to ensure “online platforms comply with national laws.” He added, “You’ll find some content blocked even on YouTube. That’s part of our consumer protection efforts.”
The crackdown comes amid a rise in political tensions. Tanzanian authorities recently detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges after he threatened to boycott the upcoming elections unless electoral laws were changed.
His arrest drew support from activists across East Africa. But their efforts were met with resistance.
Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua was deported after landing in Dar es Salaam to attend Lissu’s court hearing. Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi were allowed in, but were later detained.
Their accounts have sparked regional outrage. Atuhaire told the BBC she was blindfolded, stripped, and sexually assaulted while in custody. Mwangi has made similar allegations, saying his captors told him to thank Tanzania’s president in Swahili: “Asante.”
The police chief in Dar es Salaam has denied the accusations, calling them “opinions” and “hearsay.” But rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for an independent investigation.
“The allegations are serious and deeply disturbing,” Amnesty said in a statement. “There must be full accountability.”
President Samia, who rose to power in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, was initially seen as a moderate voice. But critics say the current wave of crackdowns signals a shift.
“She is turning back to Magufuli’s authoritarian ways,” said one political analyst, who asked not to be named for safety reasons. “The space for dissent is shrinking fast.”
In response, the government insists the country remains a functioning democracy. Officials say the October elections will be peaceful, credible, and transparent.
For now, access to X in Tanzania remains patchy. And for many, a bigger question looms: Is the government protecting morality—or silencing its critics?
