Three major newspapers in Tanzania have been banned from publishing online for 30 days after sharing an animated video seen as critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The newspapers affected are The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti, and the media regulator claims the video could harm national unity and peace.
The animated clip, which was about a minute long, was shared by The Citizen on social media. It highlighted concerns about increasing abductions and disappearances in Tanzania.
In the video, a female character resembling the president switches between different TV channels, where people are complaining about the loss of their family members. In the end, the character looks upset by all the complaints.
After it went viral, the clip was removed a few hours later due to what the newspaper called a “misinterpretation” of its intent. Mpoki Thomson, the managing editor of The Citizen, said the video aimed to express worries about people’s safety in Tanzania.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority stated that the clip violated the country’s online content laws.
This ban affects all online platforms for the three newspapers, including their websites and social media pages. The media company said they would continue to provide news through print editions and work with authorities to resolve the issue.
Human rights groups and opposition parties have criticized the ban as an attempt to suppress free speech, especially as the country approaches general elections next year.
This move comes after the previous president, John Magufuli, imposed strict media regulations. When Samia took office in 2021, many hoped she would ease these restrictions, but this ban has raised new concerns about media freedom in Tanzania【BBC】.