Tanzania’s communications regulator has suspended the online platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd, accusing the media outlet of breaching national regulations.
On Wednesday, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced a 30-day suspension of the company’s online content licenses, pointing to material published on October 1 that allegedly damaged the country’s image.
The TCRA cited the Online Content Regulations of 2020, claiming that Mwananchi’s social media posts disrupted “unity, peace, and national harmony.” Although the specific content was not detailed, it is believed to involve an animated video posted by The Citizen, a Mwananchi publication, which depicted concerns over missing or murdered relatives.
This video followed the discovery of an opposition figure’s body in Dar es Salaam in September, raising fears of politically motivated violence. Despite The Citizen later removing the video and issuing a clarification, the suspension was still enforced.
Mwananchi Communications, part of Kenya’s Nation Media Group, has agreed to comply with the suspension. This decision comes amid criticism of Tanzania’s government for restricting press freedom, despite previous reforms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The government denies these accusations.
