A pan-African digital rights organisation, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has vowed to take legal action against the Tanzanian government following an internet shutdown imposed during the country’s controversial general elections.
The group announced on Wednesday that it will move to court to have the shutdown declared illegal and to seek sanctions against officials responsible for the decision. The internet disruption, which lasted five days, also affected access to major social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
According to PIN’s Executive Director Gbenga Sesan, the blackout not only violated citizens’ rights but also fostered misinformation.
“Blocking access to the internet is a backward action that must not be encouraged. It creates an information black market that sustains fake news, endangering democracy and the economic well-being of citizens,” Sesan said during a virtual briefing.
The shutdown coincided with a tense election period, and although partial access was restored following the inauguration of President Samia Suluhu, watchdogs like NetBlocks reported continued restrictions on some messaging and social media platforms.
PIN’s Senior Partnerships and Engagement Manager, Thobekile Matimbe, said the shutdown cost Tanzania over $200 million (Tsh 560 billion) in lost productivity, trade, and digital services.
“This is an affront to the freedom of expression and access to information as guaranteed under Articles 9 and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” she added.
The organisation criticised the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) for failing to condemn the move despite its own resolutions against internet shutdowns.
The lawsuit forms part of a broader outcry from 26 African human rights organisations accusing the African Union of enabling democratic backsliding on the continent.
PIN insists that Tanzania must be held accountable for violating international obligations to uphold free communication, democratic governance, and human rights.
