Human rights group, Amnesty International, has called for restoration of internet services following shutdown by Tanzanian authorities following the country’s general elections on October 29.
Authorities imposed nationwide internet restrictions on election day disrupting mobile data services and blocking access to social media platforms across major networks.
The October 29 vote handed President Samia Suluhu Hassan a second term with over 97 per cent of the votes.
She was sworn in after the disputed polls on Monday. Protests have since rocked the East African country.
On Monday November 3, Tanzanians reported partial resumption in some cities, but this has impacted the country’s economy, disrupting bank operations and communication.
In a statement, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Mr Vongai Chikwanda, called for the return of full internet services in the country.
“For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide internet and electricity shutdowns. Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests, resulting in the deaths and injuries of protesters.
“This is the third time in less than a year that Tanzanian authorities have resorted to an internet blockade to silence dissenting voices. Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.”
So far, over 700 people have been reportedly killed by post-election violence in the East African nation.
The group said Tanzanian authorities should “promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate all killings by security agents and bring to justice in fair trials those suspected of being responsible.”
“Authorities must also provide victims and their families with access to justice and effective remedies,” it added.
“The authorities must also allow both local and international media to freely report on the human rights situation in the country and refrain from restricting access to information, both online and offline including by immediately restoring internet access and access to basic public services. The ongoing restrictions are making it difficult to verify information, and to document election-related human rights violations.”