Why Tanzania’s election-time internet shutdown is now before a regional court

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has filed a case at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), arguing that the week-long internet blackout, which lasted from October 29 to November 4, 2025, breached Tanzania’s obligations under the East African Community (EAC) Treaty.

In its petition, filed on December 3, LHRC says the shutdown violated provisions of the treaty that require member states to uphold human rights, good governance, transparency and accountability. The organisation is asking the court to declare the blackout unlawful and to bar the government from imposing future internet shutdowns without legal justification or a court order.

“The blackout had far-reaching economic and social repercussions,” said LHRC lawyer Peter Majanjara. “It paralysed online banking, disrupted digital health services and denied citizens access to critical information during a crucial election period,” he added.

Majanjara said the government’s explanation that the shutdown was meant to prevent violence failed to meet democratic standards of legality, necessity and proportionality.

Internet and mobile data services were cut nationwide without prior notice on election day, leaving Tanzania digitally isolated for seven days as voters elected councillors, MPs and a president in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa has defended the move, saying it was aimed at stopping online criminals who were allegedly spreading inflammatory content and inciting violence. He said such activities had led to deaths, injuries and property destruction.

The Attorney General is expected to respond to the case within 45 days of receiving the court documents.