Tanzania blocks access to X after cyberattack

Tanzania has blocked access to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, amid political tension and concern over the safety of foreign activists detained in the country.

The move follows the hacking of the Tanzania Police Force’s official account, which falsely announced the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The government dismissed the claim, but shortly after, access to X was restricted nationwide.

NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring group, confirmed the disruption and stated: “Live metrics show X (formerly Twitter) has become unreachable on major internet providers in #Tanzania; the incident comes as a compromised police account posts claims the president has died, angering the country’s leadership.”

The shutdown came only a day after President Suluhu called on police to “protect” social media platforms, describing the directive as a matter of national interest.

The move has added to growing unease in the country. Leading opposition figure Tundu Lissu is currently in prison on treason charges. Lissu, a member of the banned Chadema party, is barred from contesting in the presidential elections set for October.

Further concerns have emerged over the disappearance of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire.

The two were detained by Tanzanian police on Sunday, and authorities have not provided any update on their status or whether they face charges.

The blackout and the arrests have triggered alarm among rights groups and political observers in the region.