Access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been restricted across Tanzania following a series of cyberattacks on official government and institutional accounts. The clampdown coincides with political tensions surrounding the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and the controversial deportation of foreign activists. The disruption began after the Tanzania Police Force’s official X account was hacked on Tuesday, with posts falsely announcing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death and sharing sexually explicit content. Authorities quickly disavowed the content and announced an ongoing cybercrime investigation.
Shortly after, NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, reported that X had become “unreachable on major internet providers” across Tanzania. Users in Dar es Salaam confirmed the platform was inaccessible unless accessed via VPNs, which are illegal without a government permit. Although the government has not officially confirmed a nationwide block, Information Minister Jerry Silaa acknowledged the breach in parliament and assured lawmakers that affected government accounts had been secured. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa warned that those behind the attacks would face immediate legal consequences.
The X blackout has coincided with growing criticism over the deportation of Kenyan human rights activists, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua and others who traveled to attend Tundu Lissu’s treason trial. On Monday, President Samia warned foreign activists not to “meddle in Tanzania’s internal affairs” or bring “chaos.” Human rights concerns intensified after the arrest of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, who were detained by suspected military officers in Dar es Salaam. Their whereabouts remain unknown, prompting fears over enforced disappearance.
Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi, told the BBC she had lost contact with him since Monday, expressing grave concern for his safety “He would have found a way to communicate. The silence makes me very worried about what state he is in.” On Wednesday, Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society, stated that the two were being held by Tanzania’s immigration department, although earlier reports suggested they had already been deported. He added that legal teams were working on securing their release.
The developments have drawn regional and international scrutiny, raising alarm over press freedom, digital censorship, and political repression in a country once praised for its democratic progress.
