By Ebi Kesiena
In a dramatic move, Tanzania has suspended the online operations of its prominent newspaper, The Citizen, after it released explosive animated videos targeting President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The controversial animations, which reference recent kidnappings and killings of dissidents, sparked a wave of outrage from government authorities.
One of the cartoons shows President Hassan watching news reports on state repression and abductions, alluding to growing accusations that her security forces are behind the violent suppression of opposition figures.
The videos comes at a time when Hassan is facing intense criticism both at home and abroad over allegations of human rights abuses.
In response, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) suspended The Citizen for 30 days, citing the cartoons as harmful to “national unity, peace, and cohesion.” The newspaper, one of the most influential in Tanzania, had already pulled the videos, but the damage was done.
This move comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent under Hassan’s administration, which has banned major opposition rallies and detained political leaders. The escalating tensions are raising concerns ahead of Tanzania’s local elections in November and the general election in 2025.
The animated videos also included a poignant message from the father of artist Shadrack Chaula, who was jailed in July for burning an image of President Hassan. His father, featured in one of the clips, tearfully pleads, “dead or alive… I want to see my child,” while the president watches from the comfort of her sofa.
Critics argue that the suspension of The Citizen is a chilling sign of renewed repression, reminiscent of the authoritarian grip under Hassan’s predecessor, John Magufuli, further fueling fears of shrinking press freedom in Tanzania.
