Tanzania Suspends Digital Platform Media Companies For 30 Days

President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan (photo: x @uvccm_tz)

JAKARTA - The Tanzanian communications authorities have suspended digital platforms owned by local media companies for 30 days for allegedly publishing limited content, adding to human rights groups' concerns about increasing pressure on press freedom.

The Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced on Wednesday September 2 that it was suspending Mwananchi Communications Ltd's online content license. This is due to the publication of content on October 1 which is considered to damage the country's image.

"Mwananchi Communications Ltd issues audio-visual content on its social media platform which is prohibited under the 2020 Online Content Regulation," the regulator said. "The content has generated a negative interpretation of the nation that affects and disrupts national unity, peace and harmony."

Regulators did not specify the limited content. One of the publications from Mwananchi, The Citizen, on October 1 posted an animated video on the X and Instagram platform depicting a woman watching a television broadcast showing people complaining about the disappearance or killing of their relatives and friends.

In early September, the body of a senior opposition official kidnapped by gunmen from a bus was found on the outskirts of the commercial capital Dar esmen's capital. The victim's body shows signs of violence and sprinkling with acid, according to his party.

The Citizen then deleted the video and issued a statement that the clip, which "mentioned events that raised concerns about the safety and security of individuals in Tanzania", had been misinterpreted.

The suspension of this media company, a subsidiary of the Kenyan-based Nation Media Group, occurred when the Tanzanian government received criticism of its treatment of the press.

Although Tanzania's President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been praised in the last three years for lifting the ban on political meetings and easing media restrictions, critics say that recent events such as banning some protests and arresting opposition leaders and journalists have shown a setback in freedom.

The government denies the allegations. Meanwhile, Mwananchi said he would comply with the suspension order.