Tanzania’s government took decisive action on Wednesday, blocking access to the social media platform X after a series of cyberattacks compromised several high-profile accounts.
The hacking incident saw the police’s official X account briefly overtaken on Tuesday night, with hackers posting explicit content and spreading false news about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s death.
Authorities quickly removed the disturbing posts and launched an investigation into the perpetrators, condemning the circulation of misinformation.
Telecom giant Airtel Tanzania’s account was also targeted in the cyberattack, raising concerns about a coordinated effort to disrupt government communications.
Gerson Msigwa, the government spokesperson, minimized the incident, reassuring the public that Tanzania’s digital security remains intact. “I assure you Tanzania is safe, and we will find those responsible,” he stated, calling for calm amid growing anxiety.
Despite the government’s ban, some Tanzanians continue to access X through virtual private networks (VPNs), though using them without authorization could lead to fines or imprisonment.
X has become an important platform for politicians, intellectuals, and critics in Tanzania’s increasingly controlled political landscape. With President Hassan gearing up for reelection in October, the government has tightened its grip on online discourse, fueling concerns over freedom of expression and political repression.
This move follows a series of politically charged events, including the denial of entry to Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua, who intended to attend a hearing for Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, facing treason charges.
As the election approaches, critics fear an escalating crackdown on dissent and shrinking space for opposition voices, with President Hassan warning against foreign interference: “Let us not be like an open field where anyone can come and say whatever they want.”
