Tanzania Restricts X Following Hack, Activist Deportations Rise

Dar es Salaam — Tanzania has blocked access to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), according to NetBlocks, an internet freedom watchdog. The blackout occurred hours after the official X account of the Tanzania Police Force was hacked and used to spread false claims, including a report alleging President Samia Suluhu’s death.

NetBlocks reported that the platform was inaccessible across major Tanzanian internet service providers including Halotel, Airtel, Vodacom, Liquid Telecom, and Habari Node. The watchdog confirmed the disruption in a Mastodon update, linking it to the cyberattack on the police account.

The compromised account, which boasts over 470,000 followers, posted misleading information and even hosted a live broadcast before authorities regained control and announced investigations into the breach.

The incident has escalated tensions amid mounting criticism of President Suluhu’s administration. It comes after several East African activists and legal observers were arrested or deported while attending opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday by suspected military personnel. Their whereabouts remain unknown, despite earlier reports they were to be deported.

Amnesty International also reported the detention and deportation of several other prominent figures, including former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and LSK Council member Gloria Kimani.

Speaking during the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy on Monday, President Suluhu defended the actions, warning that foreign activists would not be allowed to interfere in the country’s internal affairs. Critics, however, say the recent crackdown signals a return to authoritarianism reminiscent of former President John Magufuli’s era.

The government has yet to comment on when access to X will be restored.