Tanzania’s President Addresses Controversial Election internet Shutdown
DODOMA, Tanzania — For the first time since the contentious October elections, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly addressed the six-day internet shutdown that accompanied a period of significant post-election unrest. The shutdown,which began on election day,severely disrupted communications and economic activity across the nation.
President Hassan Expresses Regret and Defends Government Actions
Speaking on Thursday to a gathering of ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from international organizations in Dodoma, President Hassan conveyed her “sympathy” to diplomats and foreign nationals affected by the disruptions. She assured them that her government is committed to preventing similar incidents in the future [[1]].However, she also defended the government’s actions, stating that the measures were necessary to maintain constitutional order and protect citizens amidst escalating violence.
“To our partners in the diplomatic community and foreigners residing here in Tanzania, I express my sincere sympathy for the uncertainty, service restrictions and internet shutdowns you experienced,” President Hassan stated. “I assure you that we will remain vigilant to ensure your safety and prevent any recurrence of such experiences.”
A Disputed Election and Subsequent Violence
The October election saw President Hassan secure victory with over 97% of the vote. This outcome was widely disputed, notably given the barring of key opposition candidates and the imprisonment of a leading opposition figure on treason charges [[2]]. The political climate was further inflamed by allegations of irregularities and a lack of openness in the electoral process.
Following the declaration of results, widespread violence erupted, with reports of clashes between security forces and protestors. Rights groups estimate that hundreds of people lost their lives during the unrest, and significant property damage occurred. The government responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, which included the complete shutdown of internet access across the country.
the Impact of the Internet Shutdown
The six-day internet shutdown had a profound impact on Tanzania. Beyond hindering interaction for individuals, it disrupted businesses, hampered access to facts, and raised concerns about freedom of expression. The shutdown affected everything from mobile banking and tourism to international trade and the ability of citizens to organize and share information.
The move drew criticism from international organizations and human rights advocates, who argued that it violated fundamental rights and stifled democratic processes. Concerns were also raised about the lack of transparency surrounding the decision to shut down the internet and the duration of the outage.
Government Response and Ongoing investigations
in the wake of the election and subsequent violence, the Tanzanian government established a commission of inquiry to investigate the events. The commission’s mandate includes examining the causes of the violence, identifying those responsible, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future [[3]].
President Hassan also took the step of pardoning hundreds of young people who had been arrested during the unrest, attributing their involvement to peer pressure. However, she also placed blame for the violence on “foreigners,” a statement that has drawn scrutiny and calls for clarification.
Looking Ahead: Restoring Trust and Ensuring Future Elections
President Hassan’s recent address represents a first step towards acknowledging the concerns surrounding the election and the subsequent internet shutdown. However, significant challenges remain in restoring trust and ensuring that future elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Key to this process will be addressing the underlying political grievances that fueled the unrest, ensuring the independence of the electoral commission, and upholding the rights to freedom of expression and access to information. The government’s commitment to preventing a recurrence of the internet shutdown will also be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
Key Takeaways:
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly addressed the six-day internet shutdown following the disputed October election.
- She expressed sympathy to those affected but defended the government’s actions as necessary to maintain order.
- The election was marred by allegations of irregularities and the exclusion of key opposition figures.
- The internet shutdown had a significant impact on the Tanzanian economy and society.
- A commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the violence and reccommend preventative measures.
