Tanzania communications regulator has suspended the digital platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd for 30 days, citing the publication of restricted content that allegedly harmed the country’s image. The move, announced by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) late Wednesday, has intensified concerns among human rights groups about a growing crackdown on press freedom in the country.
The TCRA accused Mwananchi Communications of sharing audio-visual content on its social media platforms on October 1, which it claimed violated the Online Content Regulations 2020. The regulator stated that the content had caused ‘negative interpretations to the nation’ and was seen as undermining national unity, peace, and harmony. However, no specifics were provided regarding what the restricted content entailed.
Reports suggest that one of Mwananchi’s publications, The Citizen, had posted an animated video depicting a woman watching a TV broadcast in which people spoke about missing or murdered relatives. This video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and has since been deleted following criticism. Mwananchi later issued a statement explaining that the clip had been ‘misinterpreted.’
The suspension comes amid criticism of Tanzania’s government for its treatment of the press. Although President Samia Suluhu Hassan has previously been commended for loosening restrictions on political activities and media, recent actions, such as the ban on some protests and the arrest of opposition leaders and journalists, have raised concerns of backsliding on freedoms. The government denies these accusations, maintaining that its actions are lawful.
Mwananchi Communications, a subsidiary of Kenya-based Nation Media Group, stated that it would comply with the suspension order, despite concerns about the broader implications for media freedom in Tanzania.
Human rights groups have pointed out that this latest move signifies a worrying trend for press freedom in the country, with concerns that such regulatory actions are being used to silence dissent and restrict journalistic freedom.
