Tanzania

Tanzania’s information minister is adamant that the suspension of “DarMpya” online news outlet is an administrative issue and has nothing to do with its critical content.

Along with the recent lifting of the indefinite suspension of ‘Mawio’, ‘Mwanahalisi’, ‘TanzaniaDaima’ and ‘Mseto’, the Minister of Information, Communication and Information Technology confirmed the Tanzanian government’s decision to review repressive media legislation.

In its submissions on amendments to Tanzania’s Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, CIPESA expresses concerns over remaining restrictive clauses.

Cartoonist Opptertus John Fwema was arbitrarily arrested and charged with computer misuse after publishing an illustration of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, while journalists Harold Shemsanga and Ernest Mgawe were detained for covering an opposition party event.

The “Uhuru” was back on Tanzanian streets after serving a 14-day suspension for publishing an article about President Samia Suluhu Hassan that authorities considered false and seditious.

Swahili-language newspaper “Raia Mwema” has been slapped with a 30-day suspension by Tanzanian authorities over an article identifying a shooter as a member of the ruling party.

The continent’s initially successful response to the pandemic was tainted by denialism, corruption and weaponisation of social media across several countries.

COVID-19 related legislation, surveillance practices and implementation of regulations have led to an erosion of online and offline civil liberties in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Maxence Melo, founder of the popular Tanzanian online discussion platform Jamii Forums, was acquitted for operating an unregistered website but convicted on charges of obstruction.

The power wielded by the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has invoked fear and self-censorship in the media ahead of the presidential poll.

Tanzania’s handling of COVID-19 and the implementation of laws and restrictions related to the pandemic is throttling freedom of expression in the country.

Edrine Wanyama takes a look at how in the run-up to elections, Tanzania has passed new regulations introducing exorbitant application fees and stringent online registration requirements for content producers.

The Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority has suspended Kwanza Online TV for 11 months for what it considers “generating and disseminating biased, misleading and disruptive content”.

Founder of Tanzania’s online whistleblowing platform Jamii Forums, Maxence Melo has paid a fine for a conviction on charges of obstructing police investigations, but has filed notice of intent to appeal the case.