In a move decried by digital rights advocates as state-enabled censorship, US-based Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi has been de-platformed from Instagram, silencing a powerful voice that reached millions. The shutdown of her accounts, which she used to coordinate protests against President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, marks a critical escalation in the battle between digital activism and state authority in East Africa.

This is more than a social media ban; it is a stark reminder of the fragility of online freedoms when challenged by state power. For Kenyans, who heavily rely on these same platforms for political discourse and mobilization, the events in Tanzania serve as a cautionary tale about the digital battlefield where fights for democracy are increasingly waged and suppressed.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, confirmed the removal of Kimambi's accounts. A spokesperson for the tech giant stated the accounts were removed for violating its "recidivism policy," which prohibits users from creating new accounts similar to those previously removed for breaking community standards. However, Meta also acknowledged it had restricted another activist's account, Maria Sarungi-Tsehai, within Tanzania following a direct "legal order from Tanzanian regulators."

Kimambi rejected Meta's reasoning, arguing her platforms were essential for organizing peaceful protests and documenting human rights abuses in a country where traditional media is effectively silenced. The Tanzanian government has been openly hostile towards her activism, with Attorney-General Hamza Johari vowing last month to have her arrested and extradited.

A Disputed Election and a Violent Aftermath

The digital crackdown follows a brutal state response to widespread protests that erupted on October 29th, the day of the general election. President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory with nearly 98% of the vote after her main opponents were barred from contesting. What followed was a wave of state-sponsored violence.

• Security forces used live ammunition and tear gas on protesters in cities like Dar es Salaam.
• The government imposed a nationwide internet blackout, hampering communication and independent reporting.
• Opposition parties and human rights groups allege that hundreds, possibly thousands, of people were killed in the crackdown, a claim the government has not addressed with official figures.
• Human Rights Watch has condemned the "lethal force and other abuses" used by authorities, noting a severe deterioration of human rights.

President Hassan has defended the use of force as "necessary" to prevent a supposed overthrow of the government. The violent aftermath and shrinking civic space have drawn sharp international criticism, with the United States announcing it is reviewing its relationship with Tanzania, citing concerns over free speech and human rights.

The Chilling Effect on East African Digital Rights

While the Tanzanian government spokesman, Gerson Msigwa, challenged Kimambi to "provide proof" of official involvement in her ban, the sequence of events has created a chilling effect. For activists across East Africa, including Kenya, it demonstrates a troubling playbook: delegitimize online dissent, exert legal pressure on tech giants, and ultimately, silence critical voices.

The situation leaves a critical question hanging over the region's burgeoning digital public square: Who has the ultimate power to decide what is legitimate protest and what is a policy violation? As one digital rights advocate noted, Meta's actions, regardless of intent, risk "enabling state censorship" at a time of unprecedented scrutiny. The answer will define the future of free expression for millions who depend on these platforms as a last resort for their voices to be heard.