DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania remains under a partial internet blackout even after authorities began restoring services following a disputed election that saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan claim a second term with 98 percent of the vote.
The internet was first shut down on October 29, the day of the tense national polls, amid widespread demonstrations and unrest.
Although some connectivity returned on Monday evening, live metrics from global watchdog NetBlocks showed continued restrictions on several social media and messaging platforms.
A network graph released by NetBlocks highlighted that many popular websites remained inaccessible, limiting the flow of information both within and outside the country.
Rights group Amnesty International has condemned the restrictions, calling them a violation of fundamental freedoms.
“Imposing internet shutdowns, especially when people are protesting, stops important information from reaching citizens—such as how to find areas of safety or contact emergency services,” Amnesty said in a statement.
The organization warned that the blackout also prevents international and local monitors from documenting potential human rights violations, including killings and the alleged use of excessive force by police and the military.
When partial service resumed, Tanzanians were greeted with a police warning message cautioning them against sharing photos or videos that could “cause panic.”
Authorities have also imposed a 6 p.m. curfew, vowing to take tough action against anyone spreading what they described as “propaganda.”
“Even if you see there’s propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied for planning it,” said Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 65, was officially sworn in for a second term at a tightly controlled ceremony at the State House in Dodoma. The event was closed to the public and attended only by selected guests.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has accused security forces of killing hundreds of protesters during the election period — allegations the government has dismissed as “hugely exaggerated.”
The blackout has complicated efforts to verify reports of violence, while international observers and activists have criticized the vote as deeply flawed.
