If you’re trying to reach a friend or track election results in Tanzania today, you’re probably getting that familiar, frustrating timeout. Global internet watchdog NetBlocks has confirmed a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity, coining it a “digital blackout” that arrived precisely as the nation headed to the polls for its General Election.
The group posted on X, which has also been blocked in Tanzania, that “live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in #Tanzania… corroborating reports of a digital blackout.” This isn’t just a social media slow-down, either. The incident points to a deliberate, widespread restriction on communication, instantly raising red flags for digital rights observers and the international community.
The timing of the blackout is, shall we say, highly suspect. This disruption is taking place on election day as President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks a full term. More critically, the poll has been heavily characterized by a dramatic curtailing of the political space.
In an astonishing display of executive power, the two main opposition parties are effectively locked out of the presidential race. Tundu Lissu, the popular leader of the main opposition CHADEMA party, is currently in jail facing treason charges. His party has also been disqualified from the contest. The candidate for the second-largest opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, was also barred from running on what critics call technical grounds.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have already voiced serious concerns over the atmosphere surrounding the polls, citing a climate of fear and reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances ahead of election day. When the ability to communicate, verify, and document proceedings is cut off, these existing fears of a compromised democratic process only intensify.
This story has a chilling familiarity. We’ve seen similar playbooks deployed right here on our own turf.
Just last year during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests, Kenyans experienced unexpected connectivity disruptions which NetBlocks also confirmed, even as the Communications Authority of Kenya publicly assured citizens otherwise.
Whether it’s an election or a mass protest, East African governments are increasingly relying on the strategy of plunging their citizens into a digital dark age to stifle coordination, restrict the flow of unfavourable information, and manage the narrative.
The blackout in Tanzania not only cripples citizens’ ability to follow the vote, especially in an environment where independent election monitoring is paramount. But also deals a massive blow to the economy, where daily disruptions can cost millions in lost GDP and halt essential mobile money and e-commerce services.
