The Tanzanian police have initiated an inquiry following a hacking incident that compromised their social media accounts. This situation resulted in the restriction of access to X, with reports indicating that various official and private accounts were infiltrated, creating a worrying scenario for internet users in the region.
On Tuesday, the police's official account was hacked, leading to the dissemination of explicit content and false claims regarding the president's alleged death. In response, the police clarified their position, stating they were not associated with the erroneous information and promised to investigate the matter thoroughly. Just hours after the incident, internet monitoring group Netblocks revealed that access to X became "unreachable on major internet providers" throughout the country.
Many users in Tanzania's largest city, Dar es Salaam, reported difficulties in accessing the platform on Wednesday unless using VPNs, which currently require permits to operate legally. Although some regions appeared less affected, the authorities have yet to confirm whether they are enforcing a nationwide block on X. Information Minister Jerry Silaa acknowledged the hacking issue in parliament, assuring MPs that the affected government accounts were secured.
The timing of the hacking incident coincides with growing tensions in Tanzania surrounding the deportation of several prominent Kenyan activists. The deportations prevented them from attending a court showcase involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. In a statement, the president asserted her intent to maintain order against perceived foreign interference, warning activists from Kenya to refrain from meddling in Tanzanian affairs.
Tragically, two of the activists, Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire, were apprehended in Dar es Salaam by individuals suspected to be military personnel, and their whereabouts are currently unknown. Mwangi's wife expressed grave concern for his safety, noting that he has been out of contact since Monday, which is highly unusual.
The president of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, confirmed on Wednesday that the detained activists are believed to be held by the immigration department, despite earlier reports suggesting they had already been deported. Their legal team is actively pursuing measures to ensure their rights and a swift resolution to the situation.
As the country grapples with this contentious atmosphere, questions continue to loom over the implications for freedom of expression and political activism in Tanzania.
On Tuesday, the police's official account was hacked, leading to the dissemination of explicit content and false claims regarding the president's alleged death. In response, the police clarified their position, stating they were not associated with the erroneous information and promised to investigate the matter thoroughly. Just hours after the incident, internet monitoring group Netblocks revealed that access to X became "unreachable on major internet providers" throughout the country.
Many users in Tanzania's largest city, Dar es Salaam, reported difficulties in accessing the platform on Wednesday unless using VPNs, which currently require permits to operate legally. Although some regions appeared less affected, the authorities have yet to confirm whether they are enforcing a nationwide block on X. Information Minister Jerry Silaa acknowledged the hacking issue in parliament, assuring MPs that the affected government accounts were secured.
The timing of the hacking incident coincides with growing tensions in Tanzania surrounding the deportation of several prominent Kenyan activists. The deportations prevented them from attending a court showcase involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. In a statement, the president asserted her intent to maintain order against perceived foreign interference, warning activists from Kenya to refrain from meddling in Tanzanian affairs.
Tragically, two of the activists, Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire, were apprehended in Dar es Salaam by individuals suspected to be military personnel, and their whereabouts are currently unknown. Mwangi's wife expressed grave concern for his safety, noting that he has been out of contact since Monday, which is highly unusual.
The president of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, confirmed on Wednesday that the detained activists are believed to be held by the immigration department, despite earlier reports suggesting they had already been deported. Their legal team is actively pursuing measures to ensure their rights and a swift resolution to the situation.
As the country grapples with this contentious atmosphere, questions continue to loom over the implications for freedom of expression and political activism in Tanzania.
