The government of Tanzania has suspended the online operations of The Citizen, one of the country’s leading English-language newspapers. This decision came after the publication released advertising videos featuring President Samia Suluhu Hassan and highlighting concerns about the kidnapping and killing of political dissidents. The suspension has sparked discussions about the country’s direction under President Hassan, who initially gained praise for her moderate leadership after succeeding the authoritarian rule of her predecessor, John Magufuli. However, recent developments suggest that Tanzania may be sliding back into repression ahead of critical elections in the coming years.
The Controversial Adverts
The suspension of The Citizen stems from a series of animated advertisements released earlier in the week that depicted President Hassan watching news clips related to the abductions and killings of opposition figures and dissidents. These clips, which were intended to promote the newspaper, touched on a sensitive and troubling issue in Tanzania — the safety of political opponents and activists who have been targeted, allegedly by state security forces, in recent years.
For many observers, the adverts seemed to reference the growing unease about the state’s role in these violent incidents. Opposition parties, activists, and human rights organizations have long accused Tanzanian security forces of being involved in the disappearance and killing of government critics. While the ads did not explicitly blame the government or the president for these actions, they were seen as a subtle critique of the current administration’s response to the violence, suggesting that the state bears some responsibility for the deteriorating security environment in the country.
The Citizen quickly pulled the animated adverts and issued a statement in which it acknowledged the concerns raised by the content. “The videos depicted events that raised concerns regarding the safety and security of individuals in Tanzania,” the newspaper said, adding that they had removed the adverts due to “the misinterpretation it has generated.” While the publication refrained from providing further details about the nature of the misinterpretation, it was clear that the government was not satisfied with the newspaper’s response.
Government Reaction and Suspension
On Wednesday, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced that it had suspended The Citizen’s online publications for 30 days. The regulator did not provide specific reasons for the suspension beyond noting that the publication had violated media laws and regulations. However, the timing of the suspension, coming so soon after the release of the controversial ads, left little doubt that the government saw the videos as a direct affront to its authority.
For critics of the government, the suspension of The Citizen is part of a broader pattern of media suppression under President Hassan’s administration. While Hassan was initially lauded for reversing many of the media restrictions imposed by Magufuli, the suspension of one of the country’s most influential newspapers signals a worrying return to censorship and control over the press.
This move also follows a series of bans on opposition party rallies, particularly those organized by Chadema, the largest opposition party in Tanzania. In recent months, the government has banned two major Chadema rallies and briefly detained several of the party’s leaders. These actions have led to mounting concerns about Tanzania’s commitment to democratic norms and the protection of political freedoms.
President Hassan’s Shift from Reformist to Repressive Leadership
When Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in March 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, her presidency was initially seen as a breath of fresh air for Tanzania’s political landscape. Magufuli, who was often described as a populist authoritarian, had severely restricted opposition activities and cracked down on the press during his time in office. In contrast, Hassan appeared to be taking a more moderate approach, allowing opposition rallies, easing restrictions on the media, and reaching out to international partners, including Western governments, to improve Tanzania’s global standing.
Her early reforms were praised both domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations, which had long been critical of Magufuli’s regime, welcomed Hassan’s decision to reverse several of his policies. The United States and European Union expressed cautious optimism about Tanzania’s democratic future under her leadership. However, as her administration has progressed, there are growing concerns that Hassan may be reverting to some of the authoritarian tactics employed by her predecessor.
The suspension of The Citizen is just the latest example of this shift. In recent months, opposition leaders have accused Hassan’s government of attempting to silence dissent and crack down on political opponents ahead of local elections scheduled for November 2024 and a general election in late 2025. These elections are seen as critical moments for Tanzania’s democratic trajectory, and the government’s actions in the lead-up to these votes will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
The International Response and Human Rights Concerns
The suspension of The Citizen has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and press freedom advocates, who argue that it represents an assault on free speech in Tanzania. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both issued statements condemning the government’s actions, calling on President Hassan to respect the rights of journalists and media outlets to operate without fear of retribution.
In a statement, Amnesty International noted that the suspension of The Citizen was part of a broader pattern of media suppression in Tanzania. “This action is not an isolated incident but part of a concerted effort by the Tanzanian government to restrict freedom of expression and silence critical voices ahead of key elections,” the organization said. “We call on the government to immediately reinstate The Citizen and ensure that all media outlets can operate freely and independently.”
Western governments, which had previously expressed hope that Hassan would lead Tanzania in a more democratic direction, are also beginning to voice concerns. The United States, which had been a key supporter of Hassan’s early reforms, has issued a statement through its embassy in Dar es Salaam expressing its dismay at the suspension of The Citizen. “The free press is a cornerstone of democracy, and we urge the Tanzanian government to respect the rights of all media outlets to report without interference,” the statement read.
These criticisms come at a time when Tanzania is seeking to improve its international image and attract foreign investment. President Hassan has made economic growth and international partnerships key priorities of her administration, but actions such as the suspension of The Citizen are likely to undermine these efforts. International investors and organizations are increasingly wary of doing business in countries where political instability and repression are on the rise.
Implications for Tanzania’s Future
The suspension of The Citizen and the broader crackdown on opposition activities in Tanzania raise important questions about the country’s future under President Hassan. While her administration began with a promise of reform and openness, recent developments suggest that she may be adopting a more authoritarian approach in response to growing political pressures. With local elections scheduled for November 2024 and a general election in 2025, the coming months will be critical for Tanzania’s political trajectory.
If Hassan continues to suppress opposition voices and restrict media freedom, Tanzania risks falling back into the authoritarian practices that characterized Magufuli’s presidency. Such a move would not only harm Tanzania’s reputation on the international stage but could also lead to increased domestic unrest and political instability.
On the other hand, there is still time for President Hassan to course-correct. By reinstating The Citizen and allowing opposition parties to operate freely, she could signal a renewed commitment to democratic values and restore some of the goodwill she initially garnered upon taking office. Whether she chooses to do so remains to be seen, but the decisions made in the coming months will have lasting consequences for Tanzania’s political landscape.
