By Tanzania’s media regulator has suspended the online publishing licenses of three leading newspapers for 30 days over an animation deemed critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, officials said Wednesday.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) banned The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti from publishing on their websites and social media platforms. The regulator said the content “threatens and is likely to affect and harm national unity and social peace.”
The controversial animation, published by The Citizen on social media, highlighted increasing cases of abductions and disappearances in the country. It depicted a character resembling President Hassan reacting to complaints about killings and abductions.
Mpoki Thomson, The Citizen’s managing editor, said the animation portrayed “events that raised concerns regarding the safety and security of individuals in Tanzania.” The newspaper removed the clip hours after publication, citing “misinterpretation” by the public.
The ban affects all online platforms of the three newspapers, which are run by Mwananchi Communication Limited (MCL). MCL said it would continue to publish print editions and engage with authorities to resolve the issue.
Rights groups and opposition parties have condemned the ban as an attempt to stifle media freedom. The move comes amid accusations that President Hassan’s government is targeting dissenters ahead of next year’s general elections.
“This ban is a clear violation of press freedom and the public’s right to information,” said a spokesperson for the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
The suspension follows a recent wave of abductions, arrests, and the killing of an opposition official in Tanzania.
When President Hassan took office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, there were hopes for increased media freedom. However, critics say this latest action suggests a continuation of restrictive policies.
The ban comes two years after Tanzania lifted restrictions on four newspapers that had been barred from publishing since 2016 and 2017 for exposing alleged corruption and human rights violations.
As the situation develops, media watchdogs and international observers continue to monitor press freedom in Tanzania closely.
bbc.com
