JamiiForums shut down for 90 days in Tanzania ahead of elections

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 September 2025 |  JP Global Monitoring

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority has suspended JamiiForums for 90 days due to alleged misleading content. This decision has sparked criticism regarding press freedom ahead of the upcoming elections.

Summary

NAIROBI—The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has suspended the online content services license of Vapper Tech Limited, the operator of JamiiForums, for 90 days effective September 6, 2025.

In a public notice, the TCRA accused JamiiForums of publishing content on September 4, 2025, that “misled the public, defamed, and discredited the Government and the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.” The regulator stated that the platform had violated the Online Content Regulations of 2020, as well as amendments made in 2022 and 2025.

According to TCRA, the content also “went against Tanzanian culture, traditions, and customs — undermining national unity, peace, and cohesion, while damaging the image of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

The suspension is enforced under powers granted by the Electronic and Postal Communications Act, Cap 306, and includes restricted access to the JamiiForums platform.

The decision has drawn criticism from press freedom groups. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Tanzanian authorities to lift the suspension, warning of the implications for freedom of expression ahead of the October 29 general elections.

“JamiiForums’ suspension is the latest sign of the Tanzanian government’s deepening suppression of public discourse and raises concerns about access to information ahead of the October 29 elections,” said CPJ Regional Director Angela Quintal. “Authorities should restore JamiiForums’ license and stop using vague and overly broad online content laws to silence critical commentary and restrict press freedom.”

Photo: JamiiForums’ founder Maxence Melo. (Courtesy: JamiiForums)