Tanzania’s news sites banned over animation deemed critical of Samia Suluhu Hassan

In a statement on Wednesday, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) said the audio-visual content violated the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations of 2020].

“Following the publication of content which contravenes the law, TCRA suspends online media services licences for The Citizen, Mwananchi Digital, Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti for a period of 30 days,” it added.

The suspension prevents the outlets from publishing any content online, “while further regulatory actions are under review.”

The media company has assured its audience that it would continue to serve them through its daily print editions and noted that it would engage with the authorities to resolve the matter.

Rights groups and opposition parties have condemned the ban, describing it as a move to muzzle the media in the country.

It comes two years after the lifting of a ban on four newspapers that had been barred from publishing since 2016 and 2017 for exposing alleged corruption and human rights violations.

The four newspapers, Daima, Mawio, Mwanahalisi and Mseto, were banned from publishing for various offences under the restrictive Media Services Act, which came into force in 2016, under the late President John Magufuli.

When Samia succeeded Magufuli after his death in 2021, there were hopes that she would allow the media more freedom.