Suluhu critics accuse Meta of enabling Tanzania’s repression
Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi-Tsehai accuses Meta of enabling state repression after her Instagram account was restricted in Tanzania. Meta says it acted on a government order, sparking concerns over censorship and digital rights...
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Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi has accused Meta of enabling state repression after the company restricted access to her Instagram account in Tanzania, just days before planned anti-government protests. She claims this move shields government abuses under President Samia Suluhu and suppresses dissent.
- Meta confirmed restricting access to Sarungi's Instagram account in Tanzania following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators.
- Meta also removed the Instagram and WhatsApp accounts of US-based Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi, citing violations of their recidivism policy, a claim Kimambi rejected.
- Both activists allege the Tanzanian government is pressuring Meta to silence critics ahead of demonstrations, reflecting a broader trend of African governments influencing tech companies.
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U.S. Places Tanzania Ties Under Review Amid Accusations of Meta Enabling Repression - December 2025
The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of its relationship with Tanzania, citing serious concerns over the Tanzanian government’s recent actions regarding governance, human rights, and security. The U.S. Department of State announced the review on Thursday, December 4. This follows accusations that Meta is enabling state repression. US Senator Jim Risch criticized Meta for restricting social media access for Tanzanian activists at the request of the Tanzanian government. Activist Maria Sarungi accused Meta of complicity after the company restricted access to her Instagram account in Tanzania just days before planned anti-government protests, claiming the move suppresses dissent under President Samia Suluhu.
