Tanzania intensifies crackdown on social media users, as US issues fresh travel advisory

A recent graduate has become the latest social media user to be arrested in Tanzania ahead of the planned December 9 nationwide protests.

On Saturday, Tanzanian police came out to confirm that Winfrida Charles Malembeka is in their custody, three days after she was reportedly abducted.

Rufiji Regional Police in Pwani confirmed that they are holding Malembeka, a resident of South Kibiti, on allegations of publishing and disseminating inflammatory content on social media.

“Winfrida Charles Malembeka is being detained by the police force on allegations of publishing and spreading inciting messages calling for chaos and protests on December 9 2025, through her social media accounts in collaboration with others,” Rufiji Regional Police Commander Protas Mutayoba said in a statement.

Malembeka, who is said to be a member of the ruling CCM, was picked from her residence on November 25, just a few days after sharing her graduation picture on her Instagram page. She graduated from Mzumbe University, Morogoro, on November 20 2025.

At the same time, the United States (US) government has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens to be watchful this December.

The US embassy in Dar es Salaam has warned that there are ongoing calls for nationwide anti-government demonstrations on December 9, but protest activity could begin as early as December 5. 

“Recent unrest around Tanzania’s October 29 elections resulted in destruction of public infrastructure, violence against civilians, internet shutdowns, and major travel disruptions,” the notice dated 28th November 2025 states.

It adds, “Travellers to Tanzania over the next several weeks should be prepared for potential disruptions, including the possibility of unrest, nationwide curfews, an internet blackout, cancellation of ferries to Zanzibar, cancellation of international flights, and roadblocks enacted to enforce strict movement controls.”

Following recent unrest, America has told its citizens that 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.  

“Police have reminded the public that under Tanzanian law, the sharing of pictures or videos that may cause panic is a criminal offence.  There are reports of security authorities searching electronic devices for politically sensitive content.”

This came on the week that the European Parliament approved a resolution to cut funding to Tanzania, citing post-election killings, a deteriorating human rights situation and the imprisonment of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The EU MPs adopted the motion with 539 votes in favour, none against and 27 abstentions, potentially blocking a €156 million (Sh23,444,780,783.77) disbursement under the European Union's 2025 action plan for the country.

Tanzania reacted to the move with foreign affairs minister Mahmoud Kombo urging the European Parliament to consider the country's position on key issues as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties.

Tanzania has already cancelled public celebrations of its Independence Day on the 9th, following fears of fresh violence.

Instead, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the resources meant for the fete to be re-channelled to repair infrastructure destroyed during the October 29 to November 3 election chaos.

One month later, Suluhu's administration has yet to provide any information on the number of casualties, with civil society and opposition groups saying over 2,000 people were killed by police and most of them allegedly buried in mass graves.