Frontier Correspondent
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania.
Tanzania began restoring internet access on Monday after a five-day nationwide blackout that disrupted communication, banking, and essential services during violent unrest following a disputed general election, internet watchdog NetBlocks said.
Connectivity was cut on October 29 — the day Tanzanians went to the polls — with mobile data and major social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram blocked across major networks such as Airtel, Tigo, and Vodacom.
While partial connectivity has returned in urban centers like Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, NetBlocks data showed continuing restrictions on social media and messaging apps. Users reported receiving police text warnings against sharing “distressing” or “defamatory” content.
The outage coincided with presidential elections that saw incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan secure a second term for the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Opposition groups, led by Chadema, alleged widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, and the disqualification of key rivals. Protests erupted nationwide, prompting a security crackdown and the government’s decision to impose digital restrictions to stem what it called the spread of misinformation.
President Samia was sworn in Monday at a heavily guarded ceremony in Dodoma broadcast only on state television. In her inaugural address, she expressed regret over the violence but defended the credibility of the vote, urging citizens to “move forward in unity.”
The blackout deepened economic strain, halting international remittances—valued at more than $700 million annually—and crippling mobile money transfers for hours, leaving many households unable to pay for healthcare or basic goods. Several regions also reported fuel and cash shortages.
International observers, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, condemned the shutdown as a violation of freedom of expression and transparency. The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union missions issued travel advisories and urged independent investigations into the post-election violence. Amnesty International cited “credible reports” of excessive force by security personnel.
As of Tuesday, NetBlocks reported national connectivity at about 70% of pre-shutdown levels, though social platforms remain largely inaccessible. Tanzanian authorities have yet to announce when full access will be restored, insisting information should be verified “through official government channels.”