Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet outage on Wednesday, October 29, as the country went into elections with little to no online communication.
According to the global internet observatory Netblocks, which monitors cybersecurity and connectivity, live network data confirmed a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in the East African nation in what has been described as a 'digital blackout'.
“Confirmed: Live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in #Tanzania on election day, corroborating reports of a digital blackout; the incident comes as Tanzanians vote for a new president and parliament, with both main opposition parties barred,” a statement from NetBlocks said.
Kenyans.co.ke has also since established that three major service providers in the country have shut down internet access, sparking widespread concern.
Before the shutdown, tensions had been escalating across the country, with the election process marred by demonstrations and vandalism.
Videos have since emerged of protesters blocking roads, interrupting traffic and engaging police in running battles across several urban areas, including Dar es Salaam.
In some instances, demonstrators were spotted hurling stones at police, prompting security forces to resort to firing teargas canisters to disperse the crowds, which were mostly comprised of youth.
Earlier, police had warned citizens against participating in protests in the lead-up to and during elections, with armoured vehicles and tanks deployed across major cities to deter unrest.
Elections kicked off on Wednesday morning, but the process recorded a notably low turnout. It is believed that part of the reason the turnout was low is that the main challengers to incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan were either jailed or barred from contesting.
The internet shutdown on election day is believed to be by design to deter the public from more unrest through constant updates on developments on the streets.
A day before the polls, regional human rights groups condemned what they described as a 'sham election', accusing President Suluhu’s administration of widespread human rights violation and systematic elimination of the opposition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Network, Vocal Africa, and PAWA 254 said the political situation in Tanzania, where the opposition has been under state attack, represents a total collapse of democratic principles within the East African Community.
The groups said there will be no genuine elections in Tanzania, claiming that the ruling regime has dismantled all mechanisms that would have guaranteed a free and fair vote.
