Tanzania Suspends Jambo TV, Raising Fresh Concerns Over Media Freedom After Elections

April 14, 2026 – Tanzania –

Tanzanian authorities have suspended the digital broadcaster Jambo TV for 90 days, prompting strong criticism from press freedom advocates who warn that the move reflects increasing restrictions on independent journalism following the country’s disputed 2025 elections.

The suspension was imposed by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) on April 2, 2026, citing what it described as “unverified” and “misleading” content published by the outlet on its YouTube and Instagram platforms. The posts questioned the credibility and potential outcomes of a presidential commission of inquiry tasked with investigating the killings that occurred during post-election protests.

The commission was established after a violent crackdown on demonstrations following the October 2025 vote, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory. According to reports, hundreds of people, including journalists, were killed during the unrest, raising a matter of significant public concern.

Jambo TV’s content, published on March 31 and later removed under regulatory orders, raised questions about whether the inquiry would deliver meaningful accountability or whether an independent international investigation might be necessary. Authorities argued that such speculation violated Tanzania’s online content regulations, which prohibit the dissemination of information deemed inaccurate or misleading.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the suspension, describing it as a disproportionate response that undermines public debate on issues of national importance. The organisation urged the government to reinstate the broadcaster and ensure that journalists can report freely on politically sensitive matters without fear of reprisal.

Local rights groups have also raised concerns about the regulatory approach, noting that the decision reportedly relied in part on previous violations for which penalties had already been issued. Critics argue that this amounts to double punishment and reflects a broader pattern of using legal mechanisms to silence dissenting voices.

The suspension comes amid what journalists describe as a climate of fear in Tanzania’s media sector, where regulatory pressure and legal risks have led to increased self-censorship, particularly around election-related reporting.

The case of Jambo TV underscores growing concerns about press freedom in the country, with observers warning that continued restrictions could further limit access to independent information on critical national issues.

Reference –

Tanzania suspends Jambo TV for querying inquiry into post-election killings