Tanzania experienced a nationwide Internet slowdown on October 29, 2025, coinciding with its presidential election. This sparked concerns over digital censorship and the suppression of real-time information sharing.
Live metrics from Internet observatory NetBlocks revealed a steep decline in national connectivity beginning around 12:30 a.m., just as polling stations opened. The data showed disruptions affecting both mobile and fixed-line networks, signaling what experts describe as a coordinated restriction on Internet access.
According to NetBlocks, national traffic levels dropped by nearly 90%, leaving millions of Tanzanians unable to access social media platforms or share election-related updates. Many citizens reportedly turned to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to bypass restrictions and stay connected.
The blackout occurred as small protests broke out in several areas, including Dar es Salaam and the western border town of Sirare, where opposition supporters voiced concerns over alleged electoral irregularities.
This is not the first time Tanzania has faced digital restrictions during politically sensitive moments. The country has a history of Internet shutdowns during elections, protests, and campaign seasons. Yet, as of October 30, 2025, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) had not issued any official statement explaining the disruptions.
A report by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition noted that 21 Internet shutdowns were recorded across 15 African countries in 2024, the highest number on record. Both Sudan, Tanzania, and Mozambique topped the list with four incidents each, reflecting a troubling regional trend of governments turning to connectivity restrictions during times of political tension.
Cameroon Faces Similar Internet Restrictions Amid Election Disputes
Tanzania’s situation mirrors recent developments in Cameroon, where Internet access has been severely disrupted amid widespread protests following the country’s October 12 presidential election.
According to NetBlocks, the disruption in Cameroon has been “significant and ongoing,” hampering citizens’ ability to share updates and limiting media coverage. The connectivity blackout began shortly after the Constitutional Council dismissed all petitions challenging the election results, effectively clearing the path for President Paul Biya, 92, to extend his 43-year rule on the West-African nation.
Reports from local sources indicate that protests erupted in multiple cities, including Douala, Maroua, and Garoua, where clashes between security forces and opposition supporters have intensified.
This is not the first time Cameroon has faced online restrictions during political unrest. The country previously drew global criticism in 2017 when authorities imposed a months-long Internet shutdown in its Anglophone regions during the height of separatist tensions.
A Growing Trend of Digital Control in Africa
From Tanzania to Cameroon, the repeated use of Internet restrictions during elections is a growing pattern of digital authoritarianism across parts of Africa. As access to the Internet becomes increasingly vital for democracy, transparency, and free expression, these internet slowdowns and shutdowns threaten the citizens’ fundamental right to information.
Analysts warn that if left unchecked, the normalization of such tactics could embolden more governments to silence dissent by simply disconnecting their nations from the rest of the world.
