Nairobi — US Senator Jim Risch, a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed concern over reports that US-based technology companies are restricting social media access for individuals targeted by the Tanzanian government, including activists living in the United States. In a statement, Risch warned that the alleged cooperation between tech firms and Tanzanian authorities poses serious implications for free expression and political freedoms.
The senator’s remarks come after Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, admitted to restricting access to prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi’s Instagram account inside Tanzania following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators. Meta also confirmed that it removed Instagram and WhatsApp accounts belonging to US-based Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi, citing violations of its recidivism policy.
Both Sarungi and Kimambi have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of leaning on Meta ahead of planned anti-government protests, arguing that the timing and nature of the restrictions point to political interference. Sarungi demanded a full public explanation, accusing Meta of enabling state repression, while Kimambi rejected Meta’s explanation for her account removal as a “post-hoc justification.”
The incident has sparked intense debate over the degree to which authoritarian governments can influence global tech platforms and the consequences for human rights defenders. Risch welcomed the State Department’s decision to review the US-Tanzania relationship, citing human rights concerns and “violent repression, including cases against Christian leaders.” The review follows a security alert issued by the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam warning American citizens of potential widespread anti-government protests.
The State Department has expressed grave concerns about governance, human rights, and security in Tanzania, citing repression of religious freedom and free speech, barriers to US investment, and violence against civilians around the October 29 elections. The US has warned that these trends threaten the safety of American citizens and US interests, and that the future of the bilateral relationship with the Government of Tanzania will be based on its actions.
The situation has significant implications for the stability and security of the region, and Risch has called for a thorough reassessment of the US-Tanzania relationship. As the US reviews its relationship with Tanzania, the incident highlights the need for global tech companies to balance compliance with local regulations with the need to protect human rights and free expression. The Meta Oversight Board may review the cases, but for now, the incident has sharpened scrutiny of how global tech companies operate in politically volatile environments.