Tanzania has been slammed by human rights organisations as it made another appearance on the list of African nations that have shut down Internet access and restricted social media around elections, limiting the flow of information and election transparency.
Global Internet monitor, NetBlocks last night reported that the East Africa country has implemented restrictions to multiple social media and messaging platforms, as it restored wider Internet access following a five-day cut-off, which affected various services including communications and online payments.
TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger were documented as having most restrictions, with availability recorded at 0%. Airtel and Tigo were named as the Internet service providers that had cut access.
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.
The African Union, through its human rights monitoring body, 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.
The Commission highlighted that the electorate must have access to information at all stages of the election process.
“As noted in Resolution 580 on Internet shutdowns and elections in Africa, the Commission specifically called on states parties to take the necessary legislative and other measures to ensure open and secure Internet access before, during and after elections, including ensuring that telecommunications and internet service providers take adequate steps to provide unrestricted and uninterrupted access, and to refrain from ordering the interruption of telecommunications services, shutting down the Internet, and/or disrupting access to any other digital communication platforms before, during or after the elections,” it said.
Amnesty International has also slammed Tanzania’s government for the move, noting that leadership has restricted access three times in less than a year.
“We are alarmed by reports that amidst Internet and electricity blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests, resulting in the deaths and injuries of protesters. This is the third time in less than a year that Tanzanian authorities have resorted to an Internet blockade to silence dissenting voices.”
This is part of an ongoing pattern, with Internet and social media restrictions put in place around the previous elections, held in October 2020.
In recent days, protests erupted in the nation as supporters of opposition parties accused the state of hindering democracy. 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, strengthening president Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory.
Hassan has since won the disputed election with over 97% of the vote and was sworn in for a second term.
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