NAIROBI, Kenya- Tanzania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has suspended all online platforms run by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Kenya’s Nation Media Group (NMG), citing the publication of “prohibited content.”
The suspension, which lasts for 30 days, impacts several prominent news outlets, including The Citizen (English), Mwananchi (Swahili), and Mwanaspoti (sports news).
This isn’t the first time MCL has faced scrutiny from Tanzanian authorities. In 2020, The Citizen faced a six-month suspension after sharing a leaked video of former President John Magufuli at a fish market during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MCL’s recent suspension comes amid growing concerns over press freedom in Tanzania. Since September, the government has arrested opposition leaders and restricted local media from covering anti-government activities, a move seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent.
Opposition party Chadema warns that these actions could signal a return to the repressive environment experienced under Magufuli’s rule.
Some fear the government’s efforts to silence independent media could stoke anti-government protests similar to those seen in Kenya, sparked by discontent over the 2024 Finance Bill.
President Samia Suluhu has already warned that her administration would not tolerate actions that disrupt public order.
Despite the suspension, MCL has assured its audiences that its print publications and broadcast services will continue. In a statement, the company reaffirmed its dedication to delivering quality journalism.
“We regret to inform our esteemed audiences that we shall be ceasing publication across all our online media platforms with immediate effect due to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) suspending all our online media services licenses for 30 days,” the statement said.
MCL emphasized its ongoing commitment to serving its readers through non-online channels while engaging with regulators to resolve the issue.
