Tanzania was hit by a nationwide internet shutdown on Wednesday, October 29, coinciding with the country’s general elections, leaving millions of citizens unable to access online communication or social media platforms.
According to NetBlocks, a global internet observatory that tracks cybersecurity and connectivity issues, live network data confirmed the extensive blackout, describing it as a “digital lockdown” imposed during a crucial democratic exercise.
“Confirmed: Live network data shows a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in Tanzania on election day, corroborating reports of a digital blackout. The incident comes as Tanzanians vote for a new president and parliament, with both main opposition parties barred,” read the statement from NetBlocks.
Independent reports later confirmed that three major internet service providers in the country had restricted access, heightening concerns among citizens, observers, and international watchdogs.
Rising Tension and Street Clashes
Before the blackout, tensions had already been building across Tanzania, with scattered protests and incidents of vandalism disrupting the electoral atmosphere.
Videos circulating before the shutdown showed protesters blocking major roads, clashing with police, and disrupting transport in cities such as Dar es Salaam. Security forces responded by firing tear gas to disperse demonstrators, many of whom were young people accusing the government of rigging the polls.
Police had earlier warned citizens against participating in unauthorized gatherings or protests during the election period. Armoured vehicles and riot-control units were deployed across several urban centers to prevent unrest.
Despite voting beginning early Wednesday morning, voter turnout remained strikingly low, which analysts attributed to growing disillusionment and the exclusion of top opposition figures.
Many of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s challengers were reportedly barred or detained, further diminishing public confidence in the electoral process.
Human Rights Concerns and International Condemnation
The internet shutdown, which coincided with reports of violence and intimidation, has drawn widespread criticism from regional human rights groups, who described the election as neither free nor fair.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Pan-African Progressive Leaders Network, Vocal Africa, and PAWA 254 accused President Suluhu’s government of orchestrating a “sham election” characterized by human rights abuses and systematic suppression of the opposition.
“The political situation in Tanzania represents a total collapse of democratic principles within the East African Community,” the organizations said, warning that democracy was being replaced with fear and repression.
The groups also alleged that the government deliberately restricted internet access to prevent citizens from sharing updates about protests and police confrontations, effectively isolating the country from global scrutiny during a tense election period.