Tanzanian Activist's Social Media Accounts Removed
Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi, based in the United States, has stated that her Instagram accounts were removed due to actions by the Tanzanian government. Kimambi, a critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan with approximately three million followers, has been accused of inciting recent election protests, leading to calls for her arrest.
A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Instagram, confirmed that Kimambi's Instagram accounts were "removed for violating our recidivism policy." Meta stated: "We don't allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we've previously removed for violating our Community Standards." Tanzania government spokesman Gerson Msigwa responded to Kimambi's claims by requesting proof.
Government Response and Election Context
Tanzanian Attorney-General Hamza Johari previously commented on individuals directing protests via social media from outside the country, stating such actions warrant arrest. This statement is understood to refer to Kimambi.
The removal of Kimambi's accounts follows widespread protests after the October 29 elections, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with approximately 98% of the vote. Key opposition figures, Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, were unable to contest the election; Lissu is detained on treason charges, and Mpina was barred on technical grounds. Opposition groups and human rights organizations report that hundreds of individuals died in security crackdowns following the elections, though the government has not released official casualty figures. President Hassan has defended the use of force, describing it as "necessary" against protestors she alleged "were ready to overthrow the government." She also indicated her government's readiness to confront planned protests.
Activist's Claims and US Engagement
Kimambi noted that on the same day her accounts were removed, another Tanzanian activist, Maria Sarungi, had her accounts restricted. Kimambi suggested this indicates potential government pressure on Meta to silence critical voices and appealed to former US President Donald Trump for assistance in reinstating her pages. She emphasized that her platforms promoted "PEACEFUL protests" as a means for expressing dissent.
Concurrently, the United States is reviewing its relationship with Tanzania, citing concerns regarding democratic backsliding and human rights. A US Department of State statement accused the Tanzanian government of repressing religious freedom and free speech, obstructing US investment, and failing to prevent violence related to the October 29 elections. The statement warned that these actions jeopardize US citizens, tourists, and interests, and threaten existing security and development cooperation. It concluded that the future of the bilateral relationship would depend on the Tanzanian government's actions. Tanzanian authorities have not publicly responded to the US statement.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Kimambi, known as "dada wa taifa" (sister of the nation), gained influence through social media, initiating her activism against the Tanzanian government in 2016 during the presidency of John Magufuli. She unsuccessfully attempted to mobilize nationwide protests in 2018. In 2021, she publicly supported President Samia upon her ascension to office, even attending an official visit to the US. However, their relationship subsequently deteriorated, leading Kimambi to criticize the current administration. Critics have dismissed her activism and accused her of using offensive language.
Kimambi faces charges of economic sabotage, which were postponed in a Dar es Salaam court to January 28 for further investigation. The charges include one count of money laundering, involving over $56,000 (approximately £42,000) allegedly obtained as proceeds of crime three years prior. Prosecutors allege she acquired the funds by working as an unaccredited journalist and obtaining payments through intimidation. The case, filed on August 28, initially alleged the money was obtained in 2022. Kimambi has publicly dismissed the case as "cooked" and stated it would not alter her views on the president. She linked the case to a frozen Tanzanian bank account containing $40,000, with her last transaction in 2023. The Tanzanian government has not responded to claims that the charges are politically motivated, directing inquiries to the court case. Kimambi's recent Instagram posts, prior to account removal, called for resistance against the administration and attendance at protests, including one planned for December 9, and shared images from the aftermath of election protests.