The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has suspended the license of Jamii Forums, a Tanzanian-grown social media platform, for 90 days starting September 6, 2025. During this period, access to the platform will also be blocked nationwide. TCRA stated that the suspension was prompted by the publication of misleading content that disrespected the President and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. “On September 4, 2025, Jamii Forums, through its platform and social media accounts, published content that misled the public, insulted, and disrespected the Government and the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The suspension of Jamii Forums has sparked widespread debate in Tanzania. The Coalition on the Right to Information (CoRI) has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the decision. According to CoRI, the TCRA letter issued on September 5, 2025, accused Jamii Forums of violating several provisions of the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020. “The allegations included publishing misleading and one-sided information through its platform and social media accounts (Instagram and X) without seeking clarifications from the government, as well as failing to prevent contributors on its platform from publishing inappropriate content containing abusive and defamatory language against the President of the United Republic of Tanzania through its forum, as well as retaining such content on its platform,” CoRI statement read. CoRI further stated that this decision constitutes a serious infringement of the fundamental constitutional right to freedom of expression and access to information as guaranteed under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977, which provides that every person has the right to seek, receive, and disseminate information. The suspension of JamiiForums not only restricts these rights but also undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and open dialogue that are essential in a democratic society.