X restricted in Tanzania after police targeted by hackers

The Tanzanian police have recently started an investigation into a troubling incident involving their social media accounts. The police, who are known for their distinctive jungle green uniforms and helmets, have faced a significant challenge as hackers targeted their accounts on the social media platform X. As a result, access to X has been restricted in Tanzania, causing frustration among users. On Tuesday, the official police account was hacked, and inappropriate content, including false claims about the president's death, was posted. The police quickly distanced themselves from this misinformation and announced that they were actively working to identify the individuals responsible for the hacking. By Wednesday, many users in Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, were still unable to access X unless they used a virtual private network, or VPN, which is illegal without a special permit. However, some users in other regions reported that they could still log on without any issues. The government has not officially commented on whether they are blocking access to X, but Information Minister Jerry Silaa has acknowledged the hacking incident and assured members of parliament that the affected government accounts have been secured. Earlier, government spokesman Gerson Msigwa warned those responsible for the hacking that immediate action would be taken against them. The situation with X has arisen amid ongoing tensions regarding the deportation of several prominent Kenyans. This deportation prevented them from attending the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing serious treason charges. On Monday, the president stated that she would not allow these individuals to interfere in her country's affairs and create chaos. This statement followed the deportation of former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua and others who had traveled to Tanzania to support Lissu. Additionally, another Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, along with Ugandan Agather Atuhaire, was arrested in Dar es Salaam by suspected military officers on Monday, and their current whereabouts remain unknown. The Tanzanian authorities have not provided any information regarding their situation. Mwangi's wife, Njeri, expressed her deep concern during an interview with the BBC. She mentioned that she last heard from her husband on Monday and has been unable to determine his location since then. 'I am genuinely worried for his life. I know my husband would have found a way to reach out to me, and the fact that he hasn't makes me extremely anxious about his well-being,' she stated. Boniface Mwabukusi, the president of the Tanganyika Law Society, which represents lawyers in mainland Tanzania, revealed on Wednesday that they have learned that Mwangi and Atuhaire are currently being held by the immigration department. Initially, he had stated that they had been deported. 'Our legal team is actively monitoring the situation and exploring appropriate legal remedies to ensure a fair and timely resolution,' he said on X. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in Tanzania regarding freedom of expression and the government's response to dissenting voices.