The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has made a strong appeal to the Tanzanian authorities to reinstate the operations of the online news outlet JamiiForums, emphasizing the critical need for press freedom as the nation heads towards its elections on October 29, 2025.

Angela Quintal, CPJ's Regional Director, condemned the platform’s 90-day suspension, initiated on September 6 by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). The suspension, according to TCRA, was due to JamiiForums allegedly publishing defamatory content about the president and content that purportedly threatened national unity. This action has sparked international concern as it appears to be a move to stifle public discourse and limit access to information.

In its defense, JamiiForums explained via X, formerly known as Twitter, that the contentious issues arose from posts about Tanzanian politician Humphrey Polepole and an unverified report concerning President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s engagement with a Zimbabwean businessman. CPJ has noted that it remains unclear whether the contentious content originated from the platform or its users, adding a layer of complexity to the issue. Requests for clarification from the TCRA and governmental spokespeople have gone unanswered.

This incident is not isolated. Tanzania has been repeatedly criticized for leveraging online content laws to suppress social media platforms and control information dissemination. Just last year, during periods of political tension, access to the platform X was blocked, underscoring ongoing struggles between the government and opposition factions.

Moreover, human rights groups have highlighted the Tanzanian government's broader tactics of repression, including arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, especially targeting activists and opposition figures. These actions have attracted attention from international bodies, including the United Nations, which has expressed grave concerns over the increase in violence and suppression tactics against human rights advocates in Tanzania.

As the election date draws near, the global community watches closely, hoping for a reinstatement of JamiiForums and a broader commitment to freedom of expression and democratic processes in Tanzania. The situation remains a pivotal indicator of Tanzania's dedication to human rights and democratic integrity as it confronts international scrutiny.