The Tanzanian police are investigating hacking incidents that compromised social media accounts, leading to a temporary restriction on platform X. This development occurred amid political tensions resulting from the deportation of Kenyan activists.
Tanzanian Government Responds to Social Media Hackers Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Tanzanian Government Responds to Social Media Hackers Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Access to the social media platform X has been restricted in Tanzania following hacks targeting government accounts, raising concerns over digital security and political unrest.
The Tanzanian police have initiated an investigation after various government and private institutions’ social media accounts were compromised by hackers. Following these incidents, access to the platform X has been severely restricted across the country.
On Tuesday, the police's official account fell victim to a hack that resulted in the posting of sexually explicit content and misleading claims regarding the president's death. The police immediately distanced themselves from this information, stating that an investigation was underway to ascertain the perpetrators.
By Wednesday, Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization, reported that X was largely "unreachable on major internet providers" in Tanzania, with users in the capital, Dar es Salaam, unable to access the platform unless they used virtual private networks (VPNs). This method of access is illegal without proper permits, though some users from other regions reported successful logins. Government authorities have not clarified whether they are intentionally blocking access to the site.
Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed the hacking incidents and assured Members of Parliament that the affected government social media accounts had been secured. Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa warned those responsible for the hacking that swift action would be taken against them.
This turmoil surrounding access to X coincides with escalating tensions relating to the deportation of several prominent Kenyan activists, which further complicates the political landscape. The deportations prevented these activists from attending a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, currently accused of treason.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently warned activists from Kenya that she would not tolerate interference in Tanzanian affairs, which she claimed could lead to "chaos."
In related events on Monday, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire were reportedly arrested in Dar es Salaam by suspected military personnel, their current location remaining unclear.
Mwangi's wife, Njeri, expressed her deep concern over her husband's well-being, revealing that he had not made any contact since his arrest. “I am worried for his life. He would find a way to reach out, but because he hasn’t, I fear for what he’s going through,” she explained on BBC's Newsday.
Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society, confirmed on Wednesday that they believe both Mwangi and Atuhaire are being detained by the immigration department and that they are actively seeking legal avenues to secure their release.
