by ALLOYCE KIMBUNGA
DAR-ES-SALAAM – THE blocking of X, formerly Twitter, is divisive in Tanzania, where political temperatures are rising.
Critics of the government argue this is a ploy by the government to curb dissent ahead of crucial polls and stifle criticism of the administration online amid human rights abuses that have been alleged in recent weeks.
Last Wednesday, hackers allegedly intruded Tanzania Police’s X account, where they published a prank on the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and posted sexual content.
It emerged a shadowy group “Retards Inc. had hacked.” Another, the so-called “$TANPOL”, also appeared on the police’s X page.
Their posts have since been taken down.
The Tanzania Revenue Authority’s (TRA) has also reportedly been targeted, sparking speculation of a coordinated attack on government entities.
Last week, Netblocks confirmed the restrictions on X.
Jeffrey Silaa, Minister of Information, has assured parliamentarians that the affected accounts had been secured.
Investigations continue but critics believe the government is making the most of the situation to clamp down on critics.
“They shut down the internet because of the evil acts happening,” said critic José Jackié Karabhukane.
“People are raising their voices and calling for change through social media,” he continued.
Suluhu’s government is accused of human rights violations ahead of elections in October.
There has been a rise in recent weeks of arrests, detention and torture of prominent opposition members.
“It is extremely concerning to see authorities in Tanzania repeatedly respond to criticism by shutting down the internet and blocking access to digital platforms,” said Bridget Andere, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Now.
Access Now and Keep it On report that last September, Tanzanian authorities blocked X following online criticism of extrajudicial actions and human rights violations under the government.
