In a significant move, Tanzanian authorities have suspended the online editions of three major newspapers.

The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti—after they published an animated clip deemed critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The media regulator has imposed a 30-day ban on their websites, social media, and YouTube platforms.

The controversial animation, which garnered widespread attention on social media, was initially published by The Citizen. It ran just over a minute long and focused on the rising incidents of abductions and disappearances within the country.

The regulator cited concerns that the content “threatens and is likely to affect and harm national unity and social peace” in Tanzania.

The animation featured a female character resembling President Hassan, complete with her signature hijab.

Throughout the clip, the character transitioned between various television stations, each portraying individuals voicing their grievances about the loss of family members due to violence and abductions. The character ultimately appears disheartened by the continuous stream of complaints.

Mpoki Thomson, the managing editor of The Citizen, defended the animation, stating it highlighted “events that raised concerns regarding the safety and security of individuals in Tanzania.” He emphasized that the intent was to shed light on critical issues affecting the public.

Following the backlash, the animation was removed within hours, with The Citizen attributing its withdrawal to what they described as “misinterpretation” by the audience.

The suspension of these newspapers marks a troubling development for press freedom in Tanzania, raising alarms about the government’s stance on dissent and critical media coverage.