Two Tanzanian activists on Thursday, December 4, 2025, claimed that social media giant Meta has restricted or entirely banned their accounts, accusing the company of aiding the government’s crackdown on dissent following a violent election.
Mange Kimambi, a Los Angeles-based activist, had her social media accounts deactivated, while fellow activist Maria Sarungi had her account restricted.
The activists claim the bans came after pressure from the Tanzanian government.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo on his X account claimed that he had asked Meta about the ban, which they are yet to respond.
Kimambi's WhatsApp account was deleted, banning her from the messaging platform.
In an X post, Kimambi addressed United States President Donald Trump on the issue.
"I am writing to bring to your attention what I believe to be a grave injustice committed against the people of Tanzania and myself by Meta, and to respectfully request your support in defending democratic activism and freedom of expression online," stated Kimambi.
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 justified the killings, stating that the crackdown of the protesters was “necessary to prevent overthrowing of the government.”
This was after the CNN expose' by Larry Madowo on the excessive use of force, and killings by the Tanzanian police during the three days of protests.
In her defense, Samia Suluhu claimed that the killings were not excessive.
The country went to the polls on the 29 of October.
Samia Suluhu retained the presidency with 98% of the vote, while the main opposition candidates were either jailed, or were disqualified.
Critics have alleged that the elections were rigged.
According to the opposition and rights groups, over a thousand people were shot dead during 3 days of protests over the election.
Reports say that bodies of the many who were shot, were never returned to their families, and instead were hidden in mass graves.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into the killings, while the European Union is considering blocking Tanzania.
