Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed regret to diplomats and foreign nationals affected by the internet shutdown imposed during the country’s general elections in October last year.

The nationwide blackout lasted for nearly a week after the polls, as political tensions flared in the aftermath of the vote. The elections were followed by post-election violence, which left an undisclosed number of people dead.

The communications shutdown drew criticism from diplomatic missions, civil society groups and international observers, who said it disrupted essential services, business operations and access to information during a critical period.

In her remarks, Suluhu Hassan acknowledged the impact of the shutdown on the international community and said the government was aware of the challenges it had created.

Tanzania has previously justified restrictive measures during periods of unrest as necessary to maintain public order, but the incident has renewed debate over the use of internet blackouts during elections.

–ChannelAfrica–