Nationwide Internet Outage Hits Tanzania On Election Day Amid Protests
Further, local media outlets in the country are coming under increasing fire for their silence on the widespread protests that broke out nationwide on election day, Wednesday.
Marvin Chege 
Tanzania faced a nationwide internet blackout on Wednesday, October 29, coinciding with the country’s election day, leaving most citizens with limited or no online access.
Global internet watchdog NetBlocks, which tracks connectivity and cybersecurity issues, reported that real-time network data showed a widespread disruption across the country, describing the incident as a “digital blackout.”
"Live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in Tanzania on election day, corroborating reports of a digital blackout; the incident comes as Tanzanians vote for a new president and parliament, with both main opposition parties barred," NetBlocks stated on X.
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu casts her vote on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. /SAMIA SULUHU
Viral Tea has learnt that major mobile network operators in Tanzania have cut off internet access nationwide, heightening fears of a state-orchestrated information blackout intended to control the narrative and block citizens from sharing real-time updates on social media.
Further, local media outlets in the country are coming under increasing fire for their silence on the widespread protests that broke out nationwide on election day, Wednesday.
Many citizens have reportedly accused journalists and media houses of bowing to government pressure and censorship instead of reporting the unfolding chaos.
Before the internet blackout, tensions were already running high, with protests and acts of vandalism erupting in several parts of the country.
Footage circulating online showed demonstrators blocking roads, disrupting traffic, and clashing with police in multiple urban centers, including Dar es Salaam.
In several instances, protesters were seen pelting stones at police officers, prompting security forces to respond with teargas in an attempt to scatter the largely youthful crowds.
Police had earlier issued warnings against participating in demonstrations before and during the election, and armored vehicles were stationed in major cities to deter unrest.
Voting began on Wednesday morning but saw a significantly low turnout, reportedly due to the absence of key opposition figures—many of whom were either imprisoned or disqualified from running against incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The timing of the internet shutdown on election day is widely seen as intentional, allegedly aimed at preventing citizens from organizing or sharing live updates that could fuel further demonstrations.
A day before the vote, several regional human rights organizations denounced the process as a “sham election,” accusing President Suluhu’s administration of gross human rights abuses and systematically dismantling the opposition.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Pan-African Progressive Leaders Network, Vocal Africa, and PAWA 254 condemned Tanzania’s political climate, saying the government’s actions signify a complete breakdown of democratic values within the East African Community.
The groups asserted that there could be no credible election in Tanzania, claiming that the ruling regime had dismantled all systems necessary for a free and fair electoral process.
