Two prominent Tanzanian activists have accused Meta—the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram—of aiding an alleged government-led crackdown on dissent after their online accounts were restricted or shut down following a disputed election.
The activists, Mange Kimambi and Maria Sarungi, both well-known for their outspoken criticism of the Tanzanian government, reported on Thursday, December 4, 2025, that Meta had taken action against their accounts shortly after they began highlighting claims of excessive force used during recent protests.
Kimambi, who is based in Los Angeles, revealed that her WhatsApp account had been completely deleted while her Facebook and Instagram accounts were deactivated without warning. Sarungi, another vocal government critic, reported that her social media pages were restricted, severely limiting her ability to communicate with supporters.
Both activists believe Meta acted under pressure from Tanzanian authorities seeking to silence critics after a violent election period marked by mass arrests, media intimidation, and reported killings of protesters.
The claims gained further global attention after CNN journalist Larry Madowo stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he had contacted Meta for clarification regarding the account bans. As of the time of reporting, the company had not issued a public response.
In a personal letter addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump and shared on X, Kimambi described the situation as a “grave injustice.” She accused Meta of enabling the suppression of democratic activism and appealed for international support to protect digital freedom of expression.
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of Tanzania’s election, held on October 29. President Samia Suluhu Hassan reportedly secured 98% of the vote, but opposition leaders and international observers claim the process was heavily flawed. Several opposition candidates were either jailed, barred from contesting, or faced harassment during the campaign period.
The aftermath turned violent when widespread protests broke out across several regions. CNN recently aired an investigative report by Madowo revealing alleged cases of police brutality, including fatal shootings of demonstrators.
In reaction to the exposé, President Suluhu defended the security forces, arguing that their actions were necessary to prevent what she described as an attempted overthrow of the government.
Human rights groups, however, dispute the government’s narrative. According to activists and opposition figures, more than 1,000 people were shot dead during a three-day protest wave. Several families claim that bodies of their loved ones were not returned, with reports alleging mass graves used to conceal the death toll.
The United Nations has since called for an independent investigation, urging the Tanzanian government to ensure transparency and accountability. The European Union is reportedly considering diplomatic and economic measures in response to the alleged abuses.
Human rights groups, however, dispute the government’s narrative. According to activists and opposition figures, more than 1,000 people were shot dead during a three-day protest wave. Several families claim that bodies of their loved ones were not returned, with reports alleging mass graves used to conceal the death toll.
The United Nations has since called for an independent investigation, urging the Tanzanian government to ensure transparency and accountability. The European Union is reportedly considering diplomatic and economic measures in response to the alleged abuses.
