Tanzania’s internet blackout enters Day 2

Tanzania is entering its second day of a nationwide internet blackout, with access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) still blocked across major networks including Vodacom, Airtel, Halotel, Tigo, and TTCL, for the second time in less than 10 months. 

The disruption follows a politically charged incident where the official X account of the Tanzania Police Force was compromised, falsely announcing the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This misinformation has escalated tensions in a country already grappling with political unrest.

According to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, the blockage is being enforced through Transport Layer Security (TLS) interference, effectively rendering X inaccessible for users across the country. Technical evidence from the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) supports these findings.

The timing of the blackout aligns with an online campaign by activists protesting recent reports of murders, kidnappings, and disappearances in the country. The Tanzanian police force had earlier issued warnings to opposition politicians against alleged plans to mobilise youth via online meetings on Zoom to storm police stations in search of three youth leaders who were reportedly abducted by authorities.

The government’s response has been swift and severe. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, previously targeted in a 2017 assassination attempt, has been arrested on treason charges. His party, Chadema, has been barred from participating in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October. 

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As Tanzania prepares for local elections in November, concerns are mounting over  prolonged internet disruptions as a tool to control information flow. The current blackout underscores the need for robust infrastructure and policies that safeguard digital rights and ensure uninterrupted access to information.

This is not an isolated incident. Tanzania has a history of leveraging internet shutdowns to suppress dissent, particularly during elections. In August 2024, access to X was similarly restricted following the arrest of opposition figures like Chadema’s chairman, Tundu Lissu, and the head of the youth wing. Such actions have drawn criticism from digital rights organisations, which view these shutdowns as violations of free expression .

Civil society organisations, including the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), have condemned the move, labelling it a significant threat to digital rights and freedom of expression. The IGTWG emphasised that platforms like X are essential tools for political discourse and holding authorities accountable. Telecom companies are under pressure, with users experiencing degraded services and limited access to online platforms.

The blackout’s impact extends beyond political discourse and social media. Hospitals and banks have reported significant disruptions. At Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, patients experienced delays in receiving critical medical results, particularly those requiring external communication for health insurance verification. Standard Chartered Bank informed clients of sluggish banking operations due to the internet disruptions.

As the blackout continues, Tanzanians are heavily relying on VPNs to bypass restrictions, despite government efforts to curb their use. The ongoing digital suppression raises concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic principles and the right to free expression.