Tanzanians remain under a partial internet blackout following a five-day nationwide shutdown that began on October 29, during a tense and violent general election.
The blackout came as protests erupted across major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma, after the disqualification of two leading opposition candidates. Streets were filled with burning tyres, clashes between protesters and police, and widespread arrests.
According to NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, access to major social media platforms and messaging apps remains heavily restricted despite the partial restoration of internet services on Monday evening. Many websites are still unreachable, while others load only intermittently.
Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the move, describing it as an attempt to silence dissent and conceal possible abuses.
Amnesty International warned that cutting off internet access during public unrest prevents citizens from accessing life-saving information and hinders organizations from documenting human rights violations.
“Imposing internet shutdowns when people are protesting stops vital information from reaching citizens — such as how to find safety or contact emergency services,” Amnesty said in a statement.
The group also noted that the restrictions make it difficult to verify reports of killings and violence allegedly committed by security forces against protesters.
When internet services were partially restored, Tanzanians received text alerts from police warning them not to share “false information” or “provocative content” online.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew remains in effect, with heavy police and military presence in major towns.
“Even if you see propaganda on social media about Dar es Salaam, know that the power used to control the matter will be seven times stronger than what was used to plan it,” warned Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila.
The unrest follows the announcement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election for a second term, after she reportedly won 98% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission.
Her swearing-in ceremony at State House in Dodoma on Monday was closed to the public, with only a small group of guests allowed to attend.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has rejected the results, alleging widespread vote-rigging and the killing of hundreds of protesters — claims the government has dismissed as “exaggerated propaganda.”
International observers, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union (AU), have expressed concern over reports of restricted political freedoms and limited voter participation.
The internet blackout has crippled efforts to verify incidents of violence and made communication difficult for citizens and journalists. Businesses relying on digital payments and online services also reported heavy losses.
Activists say the shutdown, combined with curfews and arrests, is part of a broader attempt to suppress opposition voices and control the post-election narrative.
“This blackout is not about national security. It’s about hiding the truth,” said one civil society leader in Dar es Salaam, speaking anonymously for fear of arrest.
Neighboring East African nations are watching the situation closely amid fears that continued instability in Tanzania could affect regional trade and integration efforts under the East African Community (EAC).
Diplomatic sources say quiet talks are ongoing between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation.
While the government insists the situation is under control, the internet blackout and curfew have deepened fears of a shrinking democratic space in Tanzania.
Human rights groups and regional leaders are calling for transparency, restraint, and respect for freedom of expression as the country navigates its post-election crisis.
