Tanzania’s communications regulator has suspended the online platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd. for 30 days, citing violations of the country’s regulations.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced the suspension on Wednesday, referring to content published on October 1 that allegedly harmed the nation’s image. The TCRA invoked the Online Content Regulations of 2020, stating that the material disrupted “unity, peace, and national harmony.”
While specific content details were not disclosed, it is believed to be related to an animated video posted by The Citizen, one of Mwananchi’s publications. The video featured individuals expressing concerns about missing or murdered relatives, following the discovery of an opposition official’s body in Dar es Salaam in September, which raised fears of targeted violence.
Despite The Citizen later removing the video and clarifying that it had been misinterpreted, the TCRA proceeded with the suspension.
Mwananchi Communications, a subsidiary of Kenya’s Nation Media Group, stated it would comply with the suspension. This action occurs amid growing criticism of Tanzania’s government for restricting press freedoms, despite previous reforms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The government, however, has denied these allegations.
