In a striking display of media censorship, nearly all major media houses in Tanzania failed to report and broadcast the protests that erupted across the country today. The protests, which were sparked by opposition groups, Gen Zs, and civil society organizations, saw two people killed and several others injured in clashes with security forces.

Despite the widespread violence and chaos, many of Tanzania’s leading media outlets chose not to cover the events, leaving the public largely uninformed about the scale and severity of the protests. The silence from the media has raised concerns about the state of press freedom in the country and the government’s increasing attempts to control the narrative. No local mainstream media has mentioned, written, or reported anything about the ongoing protests in Tanzania.

The protests were part of a larger movement calling for electoral reforms and free political activity ahead of the general elections. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and violence as security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters. The government, however, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The media blackout has sparked outrage among civil society groups and independent journalists, who argue that it undermines the public’s right to information and the media’s role in holding those in power accountable. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the media will break their silence and provide the public with the coverage they deserve.