Media Rights Agenda (MRA) joined the #KeepItOn Coalition, a global network of over 345 organisations from 106 countries working to end internet shutdowns, in calling on the Government of Tanzania to ensure that citizens enjoy unrestricted access to the internet and digital platforms before, during and after the recent general elections held on October 29, 2025.
In a statement addressed to the President of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, and other key government and telecommunications officials, the coalition urged Tanzanian authorities to respect people’s rights to freely express themselves, access information, and participate in democratic processes without interference.
The coalition reminded the government that internet shutdowns undermine democracy, disrupt communication, and harm the economy. It stressed that access to the internet and digital platforms is essential for transparency, accountability, and credible elections. Journalists, human rights defenders, and election observers rely heavily on digital communication to monitor and report on election processes.
Recall that Tanzania has previously experienced internet disruptions during elections. During the 2020 general elections, authorities restricted access to social media and messaging platforms. More recently, the government blocked the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in May 2025, ahead of the elections, raising concerns about increasing control over online spaces.
Also, incidents such as the suspension of Mwananchi Communications Digital in October 2024 and the temporary blocking of TikTok Live and Instagram Live features in 2025 raised fears among citizens and rights groups about shrinking digital freedoms.
The coalition reminded the government that freedom of expression and access to information are guaranteed under Tanzania’s Constitution and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The ACHPR has also called on countries to maintain open and secure internet access before, during, and after elections, emphasising that shutdowns violate human rights.
Telecommunications companies, including Vodacom, Airtel, Halotel, and Tigo, were also implored to uphold their human rights responsibilities under international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These companies were reminded to resist government pressure to restrict access and to ensure uninterrupted internet services.
The #KeepItOn coalition encouraged President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration to avoid ordering internet disruptions during and after elections. They emphasised the importance of ensuring full, open, and secure internet access for all citizens.
Additionally, the coalition called for collaboration between the government, telecom operators, and civil society to uphold free expression online.
The coalition reaffirmed its readiness to support the Tanzanian government in promoting an open, inclusive, and democratic digital environment.
Signatories to the statement include Access Now, Activate Rights, Africa Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation (AODIRF), AfricTivistes, Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), Center for Media Research – Nepal (CMR-Nepal), Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), COMPUTECH INSTITUTE, Senegal, Females Technology Foundation-FTF, Forumvert, Gambia Press Union (GPU), Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (IEHA), and Internet Protection Society (Russia).
Others are the Initiative for Embracing Humanity in Africa, JCA-NET(Japan), Jonction, Senegal, KICTANet, Koneta Hub- South Sudan, Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), LastMile4D, Life campaign to abolish the death sentence in Kurdistan Network, and SMEX.
Also included are Paradigm Initiative (PIN), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Ubunteam, Media Institute of Southern Africa, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Zaina Foundation,
Office of Civil Freedoms Organisation of the Justice Campaign, SMSWithoutBorders,
Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet), Tech & Media Convergency (TMC), West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition, and Women Empower and Mentor All (WEmpower).
