Online Freedoms Under Threat as Tanzania Prepares for 2025 General Elections, Warn Digital Rights Groups
With the 2025 General Elections just months away, digital rights organisations Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) have raised serious concerns over increasing threats to online freedoms in Tanzania.
At a press briefing held following the two-day Digital Rights and Elections in Africa Monitor (DREAM) – Tanzania Edition, the groups warned that growing censorship and restrictions on digital access risk undermining democratic participation in a crucial election year.
The DREAM initiative, led by Paradigm Initiative, is a continent-wide effort to monitor and respond to digital rights violations during elections. This latest Tanzania edition builds on earlier work during the 2024 local elections and coincides with the 2025 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF).
Highlighting recent incidents, Paradigm Initiative Executive Director Gbenga Sesan pointed to the ongoing blockage of access to X (formerly Twitter) and the temporary suspension of Mwananchi Communications’ online platforms in October 2024 as clear signs of a shrinking digital civic space.
“Such actions restrict public participation, limit access to credible information, and weaken democratic accountability at a time when transparency is vital,” he said.
The organisations also drew attention to a history of internet shutdowns during election periods, notably during the 2020 general elections, which disrupted social media access and hampered civic engagement. Other concerning trends include the revocation of media licenses, increased use of restrictive laws like the Cybercrimes Act (2015) and the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations (2020) to suppress dissent, and the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu on treason and cybercrime charges earlier this year.
Most recently, on May 27, 2025, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) ordered the takedown of Hon. Gwajima’s Press content by the Chanzo Initiatives, further highlighting growing control over digital media.
TMC Chief Executive Asha Abinallah acknowledged positive developments such as new electoral laws and political reconciliation efforts but stressed that digital repression—through content takedowns, network restrictions, and harassment of journalists—poses a significant threat to a fair and inclusive electoral process. “Urgent action is needed to ensure the elections are free and fair,” she said.
During the DREAM event, over 50 journalists, civic actors, political candidates, and regulators were trained on protecting digital rights during the elections. Paradigm Initiative’s East Africa Programmes Officer, Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru, emphasized Tanzania’s commitments under regional frameworks like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), which protect freedom of expression, equitable media access, and inclusive civic education.
In response to these challenges, PIN and TMC issued several recommendations: urging the TCRA to restore full access to X and avoid arbitrary platform takedowns, calling on the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) to monitor digital rights violations, and asking telecommunication companies to ensure network stability and transparency on any government-ordered disruptions.
Paradigm Initiative and Tech & Media Convergency reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an inclusive, participatory digital environment that respects rights and supports democracy as Tanzania approaches one of its most pivotal elections in recent history.
