{"id":105542,"date":"2025-12-05T17:28:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T17:28:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=105542"},"modified":"2025-12-05T17:28:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T17:28:23","slug":"tanzania-blocks-activists-online-as-independence-day-protests-loom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=105542","title":{"rendered":"Tanzania blocks activists online as independence day protests loom"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Meta has restricted prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi-Tsehai\u2019s Instagram account within Tanzania following a government directive, escalating fears of digital censorship ahead of planned Independence Day protests on December 9.<\/p>\n

Separately, US-based critic Mange Kimambi\u2019s accounts with 2.7 million followers were deleted for alleged \u201crecidivism policy\u201d violations, which she claims mask political motives tied to post-election mobilization.<\/p>\n

Meta\u2019s admission marks a rare public confirmation of complying with Tanzanian authorities\u2019 request to limit Sarungi\u2019s reach domestically, citing legal obligations while denying direct involvement in Kimambi\u2019s deletions.<\/p>\n

Sarungi, a vocal opponent of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, called for a congressional hearing, accusing the platform of enabling \u201ccrimes against humanity\u201d by muting dissent after October\u2019s disputed election violence that killed hundreds.<\/p>\n

A US senator denounced the moves, spotlighting Big Tech\u2019s role in African repression as the US reviews aid ties.<\/p>\n

Post-Election Crackdown Goes Digital<\/h2>\n

Tanzania banned nationwide protests on December 3 and canceled official Independence Day events on December 9, redirecting funds to repair riot damage from earlier unrest. This follows October\u2019s internet shutdowns, blocks on 80,000 sites, and lethal force against demonstrators, drawing UN condemnation for targeting civilians and media.<\/p>\n

Activists like Kimambi, who shared protest calls, say account purges aim to prevent repeats, building on patterns seen in Ethiopia and Uganda.<\/p>\n

With 6.75 million social media users (9.7% of population), Tanzania\u2019s actions signal a chilling effect on youth organizing via platforms central to expression. Rights groups warn of a \u201ccensorship killswitch\u201d trend, as Meta\u2019s Oversight Board stays silent amid global scrutiny.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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