Access to the social media platform X has been restricted in Tanzania following the hacking of several official government and private institution accounts, including the national police.
On Tuesday, the Tanzanian Police Force’s official X account was compromised. Hackers posted sexually explicit content and false claims that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died.
Police have denied the information and announced that an investigation is underway to identify those behind the attack.
Following the breach, the internet observatory NetBlocks reported that X had become “unreachable on major internet providers”;; across Tanzania.
By Wednesday, users in Dar es Salaam remained unable to access the platform, although some in other regions reported limited access.
In parliament, Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed the cyberattack and stated that the compromised government accounts had been secured.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa also issued a warning to those responsible, saying swift action was being taken.
The restriction of X coincides with heightened political tensions in Tanzania. The government recently deported several prominent Kenyan figures, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who had travelled to attend a court hearing for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, currently facing treason charges.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan responded to the incident on Monday by stating that she would not allow foreign activists to interfere in Tanzania’s internal affairs or cause unrest.
