Tanzania Blocks Access to Social Media After Cyberattack on Government Accounts

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Access to the social media platform X has been blocked in Tanzania due to a cyberattack that targeted several official accounts of government institutions. The incident began Tuesday when the police’s official account was hacked, leading to the posting of explicit content and false claims about the president’s death.

The police quickly distanced themselves from the misinformation and launched an investigation to identify the hackers responsible. Following the breach, reports from internet monitoring organization Netblocks indicated that users found X unreachable across major internet providers in Tanzania.

Information Minister Jerry Silaa informed parliament that the hacked accounts had been secured. He urged citizens not to share false information and warned that those responsible would face consequences. The hacking comes amid heightened tensions in Tanzania, particularly concerning the deportation of activists from neighboring countries.

On May 19, several Kenyans, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, were deported after trying to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has warned against foreign interference in the nation’s affairs.

Activists Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda were reportedly arrested by suspected military officers, and their current status remains unknown. Mwangi’s wife expressed grave concern for his safety, noting that he has not contacted her since his arrest.

Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society, said they have learned the two activists are being held by the immigration department. Their legal team is actively working to address their situation.