Tanzania suspends 3 major newspapers over animation criticising president

The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti newspapers, all operated by Mwananchi Communication Limited (MCL), faced the suspension after the viral animation sparked backlash from the country's media regulator.

The regulator accused the newspapers of publishing content that "threatens and is likely to affect and harm national unity and social peace of the United Republic of Tanzania."

The animated clip, just over a minute long, was first shared by The Citizen on social media on October 1.

It highlighted a growing number of abductions and disappearances in the country and featured a female cartoon character resembling President Samia, recognisable by her signature hijab.

The since-removed animation portrayed the character switching between TV stations, each broadcasting a different complaint about killings, abductions, or disappearances. By the end of the clip, the character appears visibly upset by the flood of grievances.

Mpoki Thomson, managing editor of The Citizen, responded to the suspension, stating that the animation was meant to address "events that raised concerns regarding the safety and security of individuals in Tanzania." He added, "Our decision to take down the animation stems from the misinterpretation it has generated, which diverges from our original intent."

The ban applies to all websites, social media accounts, and YouTube channels of the three newspapers.

President Samia’s government have been condemned for suppressing dissent ahead of next year’s general elections.

The government has been accused of targeting opposition members, with Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party, claiming that security forces are responsible for the disappearances of several of its members.

Last month, key Chadema figures were detained ahead of a planned protest against the disappearances, and riot police were deployed in Dar es Salaam to prevent the demonstration. Several journalists covering the protest were reportedly detained as well.