Magufuli bans organising, planning or even supporting any form of demonstration online

President Pombe Magufuli. FILE

Tanzania bans organising, planning or even supporting any form of demonstration online.


Activists in Tanzania say new rules that restrict online content are violating people’s freedom of expression.


The country authorities also banned the sharing of information about an infectious disease outbreak without government permission.


The Tanzanian authorities have removed rules governing hate speech based on sexuality and gender.


Reporters say the new rules also make it possible for people to be prosecuted for what they write on a shared instant messaging platform, such as a WhatsApp group.


Human rights groups say since President John Magufuli came to power five years ago the Tanzanian authorities have cracked down on the media, civil society organisations and individuals critical of the government.