Tanzania’s government blocked access to the social media platform X on Wednesday following cyberattacks that compromised several official accounts.
Hackers briefly took control of the police’s X account late Tuesday, posting pornographic images and falsely announcing the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Authorities swiftly deleted the offensive content and launched a search for those responsible, condemning the spread of false information.
The telecommunications company Airtel Tanzania’s account was also targeted in the hacking spree, signaling a broader attempt to destabilize official communications.
Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa downplayed the attacks as minor, assuring citizens that Tanzania’s cyberspace remains secure.
“I assure you Tanzania is safe, and we will find those responsible,” Msigwa said, urging calm amidst rising tensions.
Despite the ban, some Tanzanians continue accessing X through virtual private networks, though using VPNs without permission carries risks of fines or imprisonment.
X has been a vital space for politicians, intellectuals, and critics to express views freely in Tanzania’s often restrictive political environment.
President Hassan, facing reelection in October, has tightened controls online, aiming to suppress dissent ahead of the polls.
The move follows recent political strain, including Kenya’s opposition politician Martha Karua being denied entry to Tanzania.
Karua intended to attend a hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, charged with treason and facing the death penalty if convicted.
President Hassan emphasized maintaining peace, warning against foreign interference: “Let us not be like an open field where anyone can come and say whatever they want.”
As election season heats up, fears grow among critics over government repression and the shrinking space for opposition voices.