Tanzania’s Ruling Party Pushes X Ban Amid Election Prep: Online Crackdown Sparks Controversy

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a concerted effort seemingly aimed at controlling online discourse and stifling political dissent, supporters of Tanzania's ruling party are ramping up their campaign to ban X, formerly known as Twitter, from the country. This move comes amidst escalating tensions as Tanzania prepares for elections.

At two separate press conferences held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the youth wing of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and religious leaders joined forces to denounce X, accusing the platform of disseminating pornography and promoting activities deemed contrary to Tanzanian culture and values.

Mohamed Ali Kawaida, Chairperson of the CCM youth wing, asserted, "All platforms that distribute pornography have been banned in the country. It’s now time for our government to ban this platform as its content goes against our customs and traditions.

" Kawaida further suggested that the platform's rebranding from Twitter to X was a deliberate attempt to normalize objectionable content, stating, "If you look at all those pornographic videos, the youth refer them as X. They are psychologically preparing us to see this term X as normal."

Religious leaders also lent their support to the campaign, with Dr. Sule Seif, a Muslim cleric, claiming, "There are Western countries that have allowed certain social networks to promote homosexuality and same-sex relationships.

 Among these networks that deeply promote this issue is network X, formerly known as Twitter." Another cleric, Sheikh Hilal Yusuph, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for government intervention to protect Tanzanian culture.

During the press conferences, Methodist Church Bishop and Secretary Allen Siso mistakenly referred to X as "Sex," condemning the platform for allegedly promoting homosexuality and other activities detrimental to the nation. "This platform, Twitter, or Sex should be stopped, or else they are going to destroy the country," he asserted.

The campaign against X coincides with a period of heightened political activism on the platform. X has become a crucial tool for activists to criticize government decisions, particularly regarding natural resource management and contracts. U.S.-based activist Mange Kimambi, known for her outspoken views, has shifted her activism to X after Instagram suspended her account.

Despite the mounting pressure, not all Tanzanians support the campaign against X. Asha D. Abdallah, CEO of Tech & Media Convergency (TMC), an ICT consultancy firm in Dar es Salaam, expressed surprise at the campaign's intensity, cautioning against the potential repercussions of censorship. "One can never fully control the Internet. I am not certain what would be the end game of those advising to ban a network like X," she remarked.

Opposition activist Freddie Justine argued that the campaign against X has inadvertently united people on social media, highlighting the resilience of online communities in the face of censorship attempts. Similarly, media presenter Babbie Kabae questioned the basis of the campaign, challenging claims of pornography on the platform and urging a critical examination of the issues at hand.

This campaign against X mirrors similar actions taken by governments across East Africa, particularly during election periods. In the 2020 Tanzanian general elections, internet shutdowns were employed to control the flow of information, with former President John Magufuli expressing a desire for permanent social media censorship. President Museveni of Uganda similarly shut down internet connections during their general elections.

However, Kenya has stood out in the region by maintaining open internet access during elections, allowing for relatively uninhibited online discourse. This divergence underscores the varying approaches to internet governance and freedom of expression in East Africa.

As the campaign against X gains momentum, activists and analysts warn of the chilling effect of censorship on online freedom of expression.

As Tanzania approaches the general elections of 2025, the intersection of social media and politics has become increasingly pronounced. Platforms like X have emerged as powerful tools for citizens to voice their opinions, mobilize support, and hold political leaders accountable. However, the government's attempts to censor online discourse signal a concerning trend towards curtailing freedom of expression.

In the lead-up to the elections, social media is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and influencing voter turnout. Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens are leveraging these platforms to engage in political dialogue, share information, and organize grassroots movements. Yet, the looming threat of censorship looms large, raising questions about the future of online freedom in Tanzania.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of this battle over online freedom, one thing remains clear: the struggle for free expression in the digital age is far from over. As Tanzanians navigate the complexities of social media and politics, they are confronted with the enduring challenge of preserving democratic values in an increasingly digitalized world.