Tanzania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has suspended the online platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd for 30 days, accusing the media company of publishing restricted content that allegedly harmed the nation’s image.
The suspension, announced late Wednesday, comes in response to a video posted by the company on Oct. 1, which the regulator claims disrupted national peace and unity.
The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram by one of Mwananchi’s publications, The Citizen, depicted citizens expressing concerns about missing or murdered relatives. Mwananchi later deleted the video, stating it had been misinterpreted, but the TCRA cited violations of the 2020 Online Content Regulations.
Critics, including opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, argue the suspension is an attempt to silence media critical of the government.
The incident follows increased scrutiny of Tanzania’s media freedoms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who had previously been lauded for lifting political restrictions and easing media controls.
Mwananchi Communications, a subsidiary of Kenya’s Nation Media Group, has pledged to comply with the suspension. However, the opposition insists the government is attempting to stifle outlets that expose the challenges faced by ordinary Tanzanians. The government has rejected accusations of curtailing press freedoms.
