Prominent Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi has accused the government of instigating the removal of her social media accounts that she has been using to mobilise Tanzanians against the government. The former fashion model-turned-activist, based in the US, is an outspoken critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and had nearly three million followers on Instagram. She has been accused of inciting recent deadly election protests, sparking calls for her arrest.
A Meta spokesperson told the BBC that her Instagram accounts had been removed for violating our recidivism policy. Tanzania government spokesman Gerson Msigwa asked Kimambi to provide proof of her claims.
Meta indicated that they do not allow users to create new accounts similar to those previously removed for violations. Tanzania's Attorney-General Hamza Johari stated it was impossible for someone outside the country to direct protests through social media, hinting at a necessary arrest of Kimambi.
The protests followed the disputed elections on October 29, where President Samia reported an astounding 98% victory amid accusations that key opponents were unable to contest the poll – Tundu Lissu was arrested on treason charges while Luhaga Mpina was barred from running on technical grounds. It is believed that hundreds were killed during the government crackdown on protests following the elections, although the government has not released casualty figures.
Despite international condemnation, Samia defended the use of force as necessary against protesters who she claimed were ready to overthrow her government. As unrest continues, she indicated that her government would confront any fresh demonstrations.
On the same day her accounts were removed, those of another activist, Maria Sarungi, were restricted as well. Kimambi voiced suspicions that Meta may have been pressured by the Tanzanian government to silence critics.
Kimambi already faces charges of economic sabotage, with a court case postponed while investigations continue regarding alleged money laundering involving around $56,000, accused of being proceeds from her journalistic work.
The US government is now assessing its relationship with Tanzania amidst increasing concerns about a decline in democracy and human rights in the country, which have implications for security and development cooperation moving forward.
With her social media presence pivotal to her activism, Kimambi's battle continues as she rallies for peaceful protests amid a backdrop of government resistance.
A Meta spokesperson told the BBC that her Instagram accounts had been removed for violating our recidivism policy. Tanzania government spokesman Gerson Msigwa asked Kimambi to provide proof of her claims.
Meta indicated that they do not allow users to create new accounts similar to those previously removed for violations. Tanzania's Attorney-General Hamza Johari stated it was impossible for someone outside the country to direct protests through social media, hinting at a necessary arrest of Kimambi.
The protests followed the disputed elections on October 29, where President Samia reported an astounding 98% victory amid accusations that key opponents were unable to contest the poll – Tundu Lissu was arrested on treason charges while Luhaga Mpina was barred from running on technical grounds. It is believed that hundreds were killed during the government crackdown on protests following the elections, although the government has not released casualty figures.
Despite international condemnation, Samia defended the use of force as necessary against protesters who she claimed were ready to overthrow her government. As unrest continues, she indicated that her government would confront any fresh demonstrations.
On the same day her accounts were removed, those of another activist, Maria Sarungi, were restricted as well. Kimambi voiced suspicions that Meta may have been pressured by the Tanzanian government to silence critics.
Kimambi already faces charges of economic sabotage, with a court case postponed while investigations continue regarding alleged money laundering involving around $56,000, accused of being proceeds from her journalistic work.
The US government is now assessing its relationship with Tanzania amidst increasing concerns about a decline in democracy and human rights in the country, which have implications for security and development cooperation moving forward.
With her social media presence pivotal to her activism, Kimambi's battle continues as she rallies for peaceful protests amid a backdrop of government resistance.
