The Tanzanian government has suspended the popular online discussion and news platform JamiiForums for 90 days, citing content that “misleads the public” and “defames” the president. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced the suspension on September 6, stating that JamiiForums had breached online content regulations. The platform’s founder, Maxence Melo, told the BBC that JamiiForums had complied with the directive and was no longer available to users in Tanzania.
The suspension appears to have been triggered by the publication of statements by Tanzanian politician Humphrey Polepole, as well as reports about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s meeting with a wealthy Zimbabwean businessman. Polepole, who resigned from his diplomatic post in July, has been critical of the government, describing the upcoming elections on October 29 as a “sham.” Critics argue that the TCRA’s decision relies on vague and overly broad online content laws to silence critical commentary and restrict press freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the authorities to lift the suspension and ensure that media can operate freely ahead of the elections. CPJ Regional Director Angela Quintal said the suspension raises concerns about access to information at a crucial time. The organization also urged the government to restore JamiiForums’ license and stop using online content laws to curb press freedom. The TCRA did not respond to CPJ’s queries, and chief government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa did not answer written questions sent via a messaging application.
The move has drawn criticism from political opponents and the United Nations, which have highlighted a worsening pattern of repression under President Hassan, who assumed power after her predecessor’s death in 2021 and is seeking re‑election. The suspension of JamiiForums underscores the deepening suppression of public discourse in Tanzania and highlights the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democratic values and holding those in power accountable.
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