Tanzania Suspends Leading Media Outlets Over Controversial Animation
Tanzania's Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has suspended the online platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd for 30 days after the publication of an animated video deemed as harmful to the nation’s image.
The animation, published on October 1 by The Citizen, one of Mwananchi's outlets, circulated on platforms like X and Instagram and depicted a female character resembling President Samia Suluhu Hassan watching TV broadcasts featuring people grieving over missing or murdered loved ones, sparking criticism from authorities and rights groups.
Authorities said the content violated the country’s 2020 Online Content Regulations, claiming it "disrupted national unity, peace, and harmony."
TCRA suspend digital licences despite the removal of the clip
In response, The Citizen deleted the video and issued a statement clarifying that the animation had been "misinterpreted" and was intended to highlight safety concerns in the country.
"Our decision to take down the animation stems from the misinterpretation it has generated," said The Citizen’s managing editor, Mpoki Thomson.
Despite the media outlet's retraction, the TCRA moved forward with its decision, suspending the digital licences of The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti for 30 days. The suspension affects their websites, social media platforms, and YouTube channels. The outlets can still publish print editions, but online publication remains off-limits for the duration of the suspension.
Opposition party and human rights groups condemn ban
Opposition parties and human rights groups quickly condemned the ban. ACT-Wazalendo, Tanzania’s second-largest opposition party, described the move as an effort to stifle dissent.
"The government is trying to muzzle news outlets that expose the real problems Tanzanians face," said Rahma Mwita, ACT-Wazalendo’s shadow minister of information.
This latest development raises concerns over media freedoms in Tanzania, which has been a contentious issue in recent years. After President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021, many hoped for greater press freedom, especially after she lifted restrictions on political rallies and eased media regulations.
However, recent actions—including the suspension of protests and arrests of journalists—have left critics questioning whether those early signs of progress were temporary.
The Mwananchi suspension is particularly significant as the company operates under the Kenyan-based Nation Media Group, one of the largest media organisations in East Africa. This incident could have broader implications for media freedom in the region.
The TCRA has yet to specify what further regulatory actions could be taken, but Mwananchi Communications Ltd has stated it will comply with the suspension and continue to engage with authorities in hopes of resolving the situation.
As Tanzania approaches its next general elections, the balance between government control and freedom of expression will likely remain a focal point of national debate. For now, the media house remains under scrutiny, with its digital voices silenced for at least the next 30 days.
