Tanzania has been taken to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over a week-long nationwide internet shutdown that affected millions of citizens and disrupted key services.
The case was filed by a coalition of civil society organisations, digital rights groups, and private individuals who argue that the shutdown violated fundamental rights protected under regional and international law.
The petitioners claim the government’s decision to suspend internet access caused serious social and economic harm, including interruptions in business operations, communication services, education platforms, and access to essential public information.
They argue that the shutdown breached the EAC Treaty, which requires partner states to uphold good governance, transparency, and the protection of human rights.
According to the applicants, the blackout left many Tanzanians unable to receive important updates, conduct online work, or connect with family members.
They also say the shutdown affected financial transactions and put small businesses at risk, especially those relying on digital payments and online sales.
The groups are asking the court to declare the shutdown unlawful, order the government to guarantee non-interference with digital communication tools, and provide safeguards against future disruptions.
Officials from the Ministry of Information have not yet issued a detailed response, but earlier statements indicated that the government acted for “national security reasons.” However, critics argue that such measures must be lawful, proportional, and time-bound—which they say was not the case.
The EACJ is now expected to set a hearing date to determine whether the shutdown violated regional laws and whether citizens’ rights to communication and access to information were unjustly restricted.
If the court rules against Tanzania, it could set a significant legal precedent on digital rights within the East African Community.
