Mange Kimambi, a Tanzanian activist and former model living in the US, has had her Instagram accounts removed, sparking accusations that the government pressured Meta to act. Kimambi, known for mobilizing Tanzanians online against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had nearly three million followers before the accounts were taken down.
She faces allegations of inciting protests that followed Tanzania’s disputed 29 October elections, with officials calling for her arrest.
Meta Confirms Account Removal
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, confirmed the takedown, citing its recidivism policy, which blocks users from creating new accounts after repeated violations.
“We don’t allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we’ve previously removed for violating our Community Standards,” a Meta spokesperson told the BBC.
Tanzania’s government dismissed Kimambi’s claims that it influenced Meta’s decision. Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa said she must “provide proof of her claims.”
Links to Post-Election Violence
Authorities have linked Kimambi to the deadly protests that erupted after President Samia secured 98% of the vote. The elections were marred by the absence of her main opponents,Tundu Lissu is in detention facing treason charges, and Luhaga Mpina was barred on technical grounds.
Attorney-General Hamza Johari suggested it was remarkable that one person abroad could influence protests in Tanzania. “[She is] just telling people to do such things [protest] and they actually go and do it and she starts boasting… We must arrest her,” Johari said.
Human rights groups and opposition figures claim hundreds of people were killed during the crackdown, although the government has yet to release official casualty figures.
President Samia Signals Tough Response Ahead
Despite international criticism, President Samia defended the use of force, describing it as “necessary” to stop protesters allegedly trying to overthrow the government. She also warned that her administration is ready to respond to new demonstrations planned for next week.