Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is facing growing criticism after disabling accounts belonging to prominent Tanzanian activists Maria Sarungi, Mange Kimambi, and restricting access to others within Tanzania.
The move has sparked outrage among digital rights advocates, who accuse Meta of aiding President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration in silencing the issues addressed by the people of Tanzania.
Mange Kimambi, a Tanzanian activist based in the U.S., had her official Instagram account, which had over 8 million followers, permanently disabled for allegedly violating Meta’s Community Standards.
In a letter addressed to U.S President Donald Trump, Mange Kimambi has asked for support in defending democratic activism and freedom of expression online.
“Recently, my Meta accounts — including Instagram (@mangekimambi80), Instagram News media page owned by me (@wananchiforum), and my WhatsApp number (+1 424-537-3057) — were deactivated after I raised awareness about a series of severe abuses and horrific events occurring in Tanzania.”
Kimambi, who the Tanzanian government announced plans to seek her extradition from the U.S., is known for using her social media accounts to criticize President Samia Suluhu and the ruling party in Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and to raise awareness of severe abuses and horrific events occurring in Tanzania.
According to Kimambi, she only used her platforms to highlight these issues and consistently encouraged peaceful protests, as many Tanzanians feel there is no safe alternative for expressing their grievances.
“Every post I made emphasized peaceful, non-violent protests. Traditional media inside Tanzania has been effectively silenced; journalists who speak out risk being kidnapped, disappeared, or killed. This leaves social-media platforms run by diaspora activists like me as one of the last remaining channels for Tanzanians to document and expose abuses.”
Kimambi stressed that the removal of her social media accounts has severely affected the ability of Tanzanians to access truthful information and organize themselves safely.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo amplified the controversy on X after his unsuccessful attempt to find the root cause of the banning of the accounts.
“I asked Meta why it banned Tanzanian activist Mange Kimambi from Instagram and WhatsApp and restricted Maria Sarungi-Tsehai’s IG account. I didn’t hear back. The Tanzanian government silenced local media and is now targeting activists based abroad.”
Tanzanian activists have long faced oppression, and have complained of being under intense scrutiny, mainly months before, during, and after the 2025 Tanzania General Elections.
Tanzanian authorities also interfered with internet speeds, blocked social media platforms, and warned citizens against “cyberbullying” the president.
