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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Tanzanian authorities to lift the 90-day suspension of JamiiForums, a prominent social media and news platform, ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for October 29, 2025.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) blocked access to the site on September 6, citing violations of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act. Officials accused JamiiForums of publishing misleading content that allegedly defamed President Samia Suluhu Hassan and threatened national unity.
CPJ’s Africa Program Director, Angela Quintal, condemned the move as an attempt to suppress public discourse and restrict access to independent information. She urged the government to restore the platform and avoid using vague online content laws to silence dissent.
JamiiForums stated the suspension stemmed from its publication of remarks by opposition politician Humphrey Polepole and reports on the president’s meeting with a Zimbabwean businessman. The platform denied wrongdoing and questioned whether the disputed content originated from its editorial team or user-generated posts.
Tanzania has faced repeated criticism for curbing digital freedoms, including past shutdowns of social media platforms and arrests of journalists. The United Nations has also raised concerns over escalating repression, citing enforced disappearances and intimidation of civil society actors in the lead-up to the elections.
Excerpts from jurist.org article by Salma Ben Mariem | Faculty of Law and Political Science of Sousse, TN
Tanzania Skyline, The Ports Authority hq. Dar es Salaam Picture by Mr Annael.
