Hackers Target Tanzanian Police Social Media, Leading to Restricted Access on X

Following the hacking of government and private social media accounts in Tanzania, the authorities have launched an investigation while restricting access to the platform X across the country. Amid rising tensions over political deportations, the situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding freedom of expression and safety of activists.

Access to the social media platform X has been notably restricted in Tanzania after a wave of hacking incidents targeted official accounts belonging to both government bodies and private institutions. On Tuesday, the Tanzanian police reported that their official account had been compromised, featuring posts with sexually explicit content and false claims regarding the death of the president. The police immediately disassociated themselves from the misleading information and stated that an investigation was underway to identify those behind the attack.

On the same day, internet monitoring organization Netblocks indicated that X became "unreachable on major internet providers" throughout the nation. Although users in Dar es Salaam, the capital, faced difficulties accessing the platform on Wednesday—only able to do so via virtual private networks (VPNs), which require permits—the situation appeared more accessible in some other regions. Despite citizens encountering barriers, officials have not issued any comments regarding the official blocking of X.

Information Minister Jerry Silaa acknowledged the hacking incidents and assured members of parliament that the security of the compromised accounts had been restored. Gerson Msigwa, the government spokesperson, warned those involved in the cyberattacks that swift action would be taken against them. The restriction on accessing X coincides with ongoing political turmoil over the deportation of several prominent Kenyans, preventing them from attending a court case for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has threatened activists from Kenya, asserting that meddling in Tanzanian affairs would not be tolerated. Following the deportations, another Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire were reportedly arrested by suspected military personnel in Dar es Salaam, with no information on their current status. Mwangi's wife expressed deep concern for his wellbeing, highlighting the lack of communication since his arrest.

As legal representatives work to ascertain the fate of Mwanji and Atuhaire, Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society, confirmed ongoing monitoring of the situation and pursuit of legal remedies. The unfolding events in Tanzania raise critical questions regarding freedom of speech and the treatment of activists under the government's recent actions.