Tanzania has announced it will block access to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns over pornographic content. Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed the decision, saying the platform violates the country’s laws and cultural values.

The move comes amid growing political tensions ahead of Tanzania’s presidential and parliamentary elections in October. While officials claim the ban targets inappropriate content, critics see it as another attempt to control online discussions during a sensitive political period.

For the past two weeks, many Tanzanians have reported difficulties accessing X. The problems began after political tensions rose and the official police account was hacked, displaying pornographic material and false claims about the president’s death. Similar content appeared on the hacked YouTube account of Tanzania’s tax authority.

Minister Silaa linked the ban directly to X’s policy change last year allowing “consensually produced” adult content. He said the platform now permits explicit material that goes against Tanzania’s online ethics guidelines, including same-sex pornography. The minister also noted that YouTube already restricts some content in Tanzania as part of government efforts to control online material.

However, human rights groups strongly disagree with the government’s explanation. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) called the decision part of a “troubling pattern of digital repression” before elections. They reminded the public that similar restrictions happened before the 2020 vote, raising concerns about shrinking digital freedoms in Tanzania.

The LHRC also pointed out the irony that while the government blocks X for ordinary citizens, officials and public institutions continue using the platform. “This inconsistency confuses the public and undermines the government’s position,” the group said.

The social media ban is not Tanzania’s only recent restriction. Popular platforms like Clubhouse and Telegram are already inaccessible without special VPN software that bypasses government controls.

The internet shutdown coincides with a government crackdown on opposition figures and foreign activists. Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges after threatening to boycott the elections unless laws are changed to ensure fairness. The case has drawn international attention, with activists from Kenya and Uganda traveling to Tanzania to support him.

Their visits ended badly. Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua was deported upon arrival. Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan campaigner Boniface Mwangi were detained for several days. Both later reported being sexually assaulted in custody, allegations that Tanzanian police deny.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 after her predecessor’s death, initially earned praise for allowing more political freedom. But critics now accuse her of reverting to authoritarian tactics as she prepares to run in her first presidential election.

The government maintains Tanzania remains a stable democracy and promises fair elections. However, the combination of internet restrictions, opposition crackdowns, and alleged abuses against activists has raised serious concerns among international observers.

As the election approaches, many worry these measures signal a return to the more repressive era of former President John Magufuli, rather than the more open Tanzania many hoped for under President Samia’s leadership. With key social media platforms now blocked, the space for free political discussion continues to shrink in the East African nation.

The situation leaves Tanzanians with difficult questions about how they will access information and express opinions during the critical election period. For now, the government insists it is simply protecting national values, while critics see a worrying pattern of control emerging at the worst possible time for democracy.