Tanzania Suspends Media Company’s Online Platforms for 30 Days

Tanzanian authorities have suspended the online platforms of a media company for 30 days, citing violations of regulations. Explore the details behind the suspension and its implications for press freedom.

Tanzania’s communications regulator has halted the online operations of Mwananchi Communications Ltd, alleging that the media company published content breaching national regulations.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced on Wednesday that it will suspend the company’s online content licenses for 30 days. This decision follows allegations that material published on October 1 damaged the nation’s image.

The TCRA cited the 2020 Online Content Regulations, claiming that content shared on Mwananchi’s social media platforms disrupted “unity, peace, and national harmony.” Although specific details about the content were not provided, it is thought to involve an animated video released by The Citizen—an outlet of Mwananchi. This video showed individuals voicing worries over missing or murdered family members.

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The video was released following the discovery of an opposition official’s body in Dar es Salaam in September, sparking concerns about targeted violence. Despite The Citizen eventually removing the video and clarifying that it had been misinterpreted, the suspension proceeded as planned.

Mwananchi Communications, a subsidiary of Kenya’s Nation Media Group, announced its intention to comply with the suspension. This decision follows criticism directed at Tanzania’s government for retreating on press freedoms after initial reforms introduced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

However, the government denies these claims.