Tanzania Suspends Leading Newspapers’ Digital Platforms Over Animation Critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan

Tanzania’s media regulator has suspended the online editions of three prominent newspapers—The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti—following their publication of an animation deemed critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The viral clip, which has since been removed, highlighted rising concerns over abductions and disappearances in the country. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced a 30-day suspension for the outlets, citing violations of the country’s online communication laws.

The animation, published by The Citizen, depicted a cartoon character resembling President Samia switching between TV stations, each airing complaints about disappearances and killings. While The Citizen removed the clip, explaining it had been “misinterpreted,” the damage had already been done. TCRA stated that the content threatened national unity and social peace, leading to the suspension of the newspapers’ online licenses.

Rights groups and opposition parties have condemned the move as an attempt to silence media critical of the government ahead of next year’s general elections. Critics argue that President Samia’s government is backtracking on the reforms she had initiated when she succeeded the late President John Magufuli in 2021. The ban follows a series of incidents, including the abduction and killing of an opposition official, that have stoked political tensions in Tanzania.

Despite the digital suspension, the newspapers will continue to publish in print and are engaging with authorities to resolve the issue. However, the media crackdown has sparked concerns about press freedom in Tanzania, a country where media outlets have faced increasing restrictions under both Samia’s and her predecessor’s administrations.

While President Samia was initially praised for lifting media bans imposed during Magufuli’s tenure, this latest move has raised alarm about a potential rollback of those freedoms. With Tanzania heading towards general elections, the suspension of these media platforms signals a tightening grip on dissent, particularly in the digital space, where critical voices have found refuge.

For now, Tanzania’s media landscape remains under scrutiny, as the government’s actions continue to draw criticism both domestically and internationally.