Crowdfunding Triumphs on X Ignite Debate Over Proposed Ban in Tanzania sparks discussions

By Adonis Byemelwa

The recent crowdfunding successes by users of X, formerly known as Twitter, have sparked a debate over calls to ban the platform in Tanzania. While X has long served as a tool for self-help and accountability, recent efforts to ban it, allegedly for promoting "pornographic" content, have brought its positive uses into sharp focus.

Over the past few weeks, X users have coordinated at least three notable crowdfunding campaigns, challenging detractors by demonstrating the platform's value. These campaigns included raising funds for medical services for a kidnap and torture victim, Edgar Mwakabela, also known as Sativa, and assisting government critics Japhet Matarra and Shadrack Chaula with legal expenses.

Sativa received Sh10 million after being tortured and abandoned at Katavi National Park. The funds were crucial for his medical treatment. Matarra, who was sentenced to five years in prison and fined for publishing false reports, including details about President Samia Suluhu Hassan's salary, benefited from Sh 7 million raised on X, allowing his release after serving one year.

 Chaula, sentenced to two years for similar charges and unable to pay a Sh 5 million fine, was also aided by the platform's users. All three expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that their situations would have been far worse without this support.

Tito Magoti, a lawyer and human rights activist has been instrumental in these crowdfunding efforts. He emphasizes that X is more than just a social media platform, arguing that it empowers Tanzanians to participate in national affairs.

Magoti credits his survival to the platform's users, who rallied for justice during his investigation for false money laundering charges. He urges authorities to ignore calls for banning X, highlighting its role in supporting entrepreneurs and fostering social connections.

The advocacy against the proposed ban on X in Tanzania has gained significant momentum. On July 3, 2024, the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), a consortium of organizations promoting digital rights, called for an open dialogue on the issue.

They argue that concerns about the platform can be addressed without resorting to a ban. This statement followed a post by the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye, who stated that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) would review the platform's policies.

Despite an invitation from the TCRA to discuss the issue, no meeting has yet taken place. Concerns have escalated as the regulator deleted its accounts from X, raising questions about potential future actions. Nape's response to the IGTWG's statement described it as an attempt to prevent discussions on child safety, which he deemed irresponsible.

Asha D. Abdallah, head of Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) and a member of the working group, attributes the calls for a ban to fear. She believes this fear of the unknown could result in missed opportunities and paralysis that might take years to overcome.

 Kumbusho Dawson Kagine, Executive Secretary of Reach Out Tanzania, echoes this sentiment, suggesting that fear, particularly related to the 2025 General Election, is driving the ban calls.

During the 2020 elections, the government shut down the internet, preventing updates on significant developments. With ongoing restrictions on access to the social audio app Clubhouse, Kagine urges authorities to uphold freedom of expression, a constitutionally guaranteed right in Tanzania. Censoring X, he argues, contradicts the Constitution and infringes on the right to assemble through digital platforms.

The debate over banning X in Tanzania underscores the platform's role in facilitating positive social change and the broader implications for digital rights and freedom of expression in the country.

The recent crowdfunding efforts highlight how X has become a vital tool for Tanzanians to support each other and hold authorities accountable. The platform's ability to mobilize resources and advocate for justice stands in stark contrast to the claims that it merely promotes negative content.

Magoti's own experience, alongside the successful campaigns for Sativa, Matarra, and Chaula, exemplifies the significant impact X has had on individual lives. These cases demonstrate that the platform can be a force for good, challenging the narrative that it should be banned.

The IGTWG's call for open dialogue reflects a broader recognition of the need to address digital rights in Tanzania. Their advocacy emphasizes that shutting down platforms like X is not the solution to the concerns raised.

 Instead, constructive engagement and policy adjustments can ensure that the platform continues to serve its valuable functions without compromising safety or ethical standards.

As the 2025 General Election approaches, the tension surrounding digital platforms like X is likely to increase. The experiences of the 2020 elections, where internet shutdowns stifled information flow, serve as a cautionary tale.

 Ensuring freedom of expression and the right to information will be crucial in navigating the political landscape and maintaining democratic principles.

The debate over X in Tanzania is a microcosm of the larger global conversation about the role of social media in society. Balancing the benefits of connectivity and advocacy with the need for regulation and safety is a challenge that many countries face.

Tanzania's response to this challenge will be closely watched, setting a precedent for how digital rights are upheld or restricted in the region.

The recent crowdfunding successes on X have highlighted the platform's positive impact in Tanzania, challenging calls for its ban. Advocates like Tito Magoti and organizations like IGTWG emphasize the importance of dialogue and constructive solutions over censorship.

The protection of digital rights and freedom of expression will be paramount in shaping Tanzania's democratic future. The stakes are high, and the consequences of stifling these freedoms could be severe. Advocates and citizens alike must remain vigilant, ensuring that voices are heard and rights are upheld. The battle for digital freedom is a battle for democracy itself, and Tanzania's path forward will be defined by how it navigates this crucial issue.