Meta restricted Instagram access for Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi following regulatory orders from local authorities. Activist Mange Kimambi’s accounts were removed for repeated violations of Meta’s community standards.
Meta confirmed on Thursday, December 4, that it blocked the Instagram account of activist Maria Sarungi in Tanzania following directives from local authorities.
“We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right. Following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators, we have restricted access to this Instagram account in Tanzania in response to regulatory demands,” a Meta spokesperson said.
The accounts linked to activist Mange Kimambi were removed due to repeated breaches of Meta’s community standards. The company stated that users who have previously had accounts removed for violations are not allowed to return with new accounts.
“These Instagram accounts were removed for violating our recidivism policy. We don’t allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we’ve previously removed for violating our Community Standards,” the spokesperson added.
The US Embassy in Dar es Salaam warned of possible nationwide anti-government demonstrations planned for December 9, 2025, noting that protests could begin as early as December 5. The advisory cited unrest following Tanzania’s October 29 elections, which involved the destruction of infrastructure, civilian violence, and internet shutdowns.
Travellers are advised to expect: Movement restrictions and roadblocks, Potential curfews and internet blackouts, Cancellation of flights and ferries, Heightened attention from security authorities, including searches of electronic devices
“Following recent unrest, foreign nationals have experienced increased attention from local security authorities, and security forces have searched electronics for evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive content,” the embassy stated.
The embassy urged visitors to Tanzania to: Avoid demonstrations, follow curfews and local laws, maintain emergency supplies, Verify flight arrangements before travel, Review personal safety and communication plans
The alert underscores the risks for both Tanzanian citizens and foreign nationals as political tensions continue to rise.
