The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission) is following with concern the ongoing rights-related developments in the United Republic of Tanzania (Tanzania) which occurred during the general elections held on 29 October 2025.
The Commission is concerned by the reports that Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet outage on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, as the elections commenced with little to no online communication, in what has been described as a “digital blackout.” 1
The Commission wishes to reiterate the importance of the internet in advancing human and peoples’ rights in Africa, particularly with regards to the reality that for elections to be free, fair and credible, the electorate must have access to information at all stages of the electoral process.
As noted in Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa the Commission specifically called on States Parties to take the necessary legislative and other measures to ensure open and secure internet access before, during and after elections, including ensuring that telecommunications and internet service providers take adequate steps to provide unrestricted and uninterrupted access, and to refrain from ordering the interruption of telecommunications services, shutting down the internet, and/or disrupting access to any other digital communication platforms before, during or after the elections. 2
Internet shutdowns undoubtedly constitute a violation of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which guarantees individuals the right to receive information, as well as the right to express and disseminate information. Furthermore, Principle 38 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa specifically provides that “States shall not interfere with the right of individuals to seek, receive and impart information through any means of communication and digital technologies, through measures such as the removal, blocking or filtering of content, unless such interference is justifiable and compatible with international human rights law and standards,” and further that “States shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.”
Similarly, Principle 27 of the Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa provides that “In exceptional cases in which a shutdown may be permissible under international law, the reasons for any shutdown shall be proactively disclosed. Such limitation shall be authorized by law, serve a legitimate aim and be necessary and proportional in a democratic society.”
In light of the above, the Commission calls upon the Government of Tanzania to exercise its duty of protecting human rights in the country, by ensuring that the citizens’ right to freedom of expression and access to information are respected and protected.
The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment under Article 45 of the Charter to promote and protect human rights and stands ready to collaborate with the Government of Tanzania, and other local and international actors, to find peaceful solutions that promote national unity and sustain free, fair, transparent elections across Africa.
Done in Banjul, 30 October 2025
1. https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/117541-tanzania-hit-nationwide-internet-outage-election-day-protests-erupt
2. Adopted during the 78th Private Ordinary Session, held virtually from 23 February to 08 March 2024
