MAGUFULI BANS PHONE CALLS IN TANZANIA

Politics in Tanzania have taken a new turn as the government has moved to ban social media users.

Yesterday, the government dealt yet another secret card, banning mobile service providers from sending bulk messages. This is seen as having been brought by the rivalry between John Magufuli of Chama Cha Mageuzi (CCM) and Chama Cha Maendeleo na Demokrasia (Chadema) Tundu Lissu.

Consequently, there will be no more bulk messaging and voice calls within the territory of Tanzania for the next one to two weeks.

A letter to one of the service providers, Viettel Tanzania PLC read in parts:

“Considering the adverse impact that abuse of bulk short messaging services or bulk voice calling services might have on the general elections, and in accordance with rule three of the second schedule in the Tanzania communication Regulatory Authority Act of the Laws of Tanzania, the authority hereby directs you to temporarily suspend offering of bulk short messaging and bulk voice calling from October 24 2020 to November 11 2020.”

According to the Director General of Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority James Kilara, entities sending bulk messages for public safety utility services, e-government or mobile financial services, have been excluded from this suspension.

Alicia Tundu, wife of the opposition presidential candidate, wrote on social media accusing the government of censorship: “Sasa huku mitandao imeanza Kuzengua. Any messages with TL names whether TL, TAL or TAML (Tindu Lissu)… (Now messages bearing the name Tindu Lissu are not going through).”

The harbour agency in Tanzania has also said that they will be no any form of sea movement in the country during elections.

“October 28, 2020 is a special day of holding elections in Tanzania. As a result of the importance of this day, the Authority notifies you that it has suspended all operations by passenger and cargo vessels so as to allow all registered voters to cast their votes,” reads a notice by the agency.

Finally it seems Magufuli has agreed to lock down the country but for totally different reasons.