United States questions Tanzania over social media block on activist
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 5, 2025The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee James Elroy Risch has expressed concern over the treatment of Tanzanian activists, who had their social media accounts removed while mobilising election protests. The Senator welcomed the US State Department’s response to his requests for a review of the US–Tanzania relationship.
In a statement on Friday, December 5, the Senator described the ongoing situation in Tanzania as deeply troubling, warning that it threatens the stability and security of the region. He called for a thorough examination of what he described as violent repression, including cases against Christian leaders.
He also highlighted reports that US-based tech companies had blocked social media access for Tanzanian activists, including some based in the United States. He said this interference mirrored the harmful effects of past US efforts to police social media.
“I welcome the State Department’s response to my requests to review the U.S.–Tanzania relationship. The ongoing situation in Tanzania is deeply troubling and threatens the stability and security of a vital region,” he said.
“This violent repression, including cases against Christian leaders, needs a thorough examination. I am also concerned by reports that U.S.-based tech companies are blocking social media access for individuals targeted by the Tanzanian government—including some in the United States.”
“We have already seen the harmful effects of the former Biden Administration’s efforts to police social media on political and civic discourse in our own country. For this to be happening in Tanzania at that government’s request is unacceptable.”
Activist’s accounts blocked
Among those who had their accounts blocked is Mange Kimambi, a former fashion model turned activist, with nearly three million followers on Instagram. She criticised President Samia Suluhu Hassan and mobilised protests against the government.
Her accounts were removed after the Tanzanian government accused her of inciting deadly post-election protests. A Meta spokesperson said the accounts were removed for violating its recidivism policy, adding that users cannot create new accounts that replicate previously removed ones.
The Tanzanian government has questioned Kimambi’s claims, with spokesman Gerson Msigwa saying she must provide proof. Attorney-General Hamza Johari referred to Kimambi as one person outside the country who directs people to protest and warned that she could face arrest.
Kimambi dismissed these accusations, saying her social media posts encouraged peaceful protests and provided a platform for Tanzanians to voice dissent safely.
The removal of Kimambi’s accounts coincided with restrictions on another activist, Maria Sarungi. Kimambi suggested that Meta may have acted under pressure from the Tanzanian government. She also appealed to US President Donald Trump to urge Meta to restore her pages.
The crackdown comes after the disputed October 29, elections, which President Samia won with around 98 per cent of the vote after her main opponents were blocked from contesting. Opposition leaders and rights groups report that hundreds of protesters were killed by security forces, although the government has not released official casualty figures.