Tanzania is facing a troubling chapter in its democratic journey. The far-left government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made the controversial decision to ban access to Twitter (X), citing concerns over pornography. But many observers believe this move has far more to do with political control than online decency.
While Tanzania is a majority-Christian nation, voters chose to elevate a Muslim, socialist leader to the highest office. This decision, viewed by some as a symbol of inclusivity, is now raising uncomfortable questions about freedom, censorship, and governance under her administration.
As Christians, we must acknowledge that we live in a fallen world. Christian persecution is real, and while democracy allows for diverse representation, we also believe leadership should reflect God’s values. Personally, I would never knowingly vote to be governed by someone who does not share a Christian foundation—especially in a world where censorship and spiritual suppression are on the rise.
Pan-Africanism vs. Liberty
To understand the mindset behind this kind of political control, it’s important to grasp the influence of Pan-Africanism in many African governments.
“Pan-Africanism is a political, cultural, and social movement that emphasizes the shared history, culture, and destiny of people of African descent. It advocates for unity and collective empowerment, with the ultimate goal of building a unified and prosperous Africa.”
Unfortunately, many African leaders conflate capitalism with imperialism, leading to deep skepticism of free markets and private ownership. This misunderstanding results in adolescent governance models—where regulation, centralization, and ideological purity take priority over liberty and innovation.
Why Socialists Fear Free Speech
Socialist and authoritarian regimes fear capital because capital empowers the individual. If capital is seen as evil, the natural “solution” is social engineering and collective control—leading inevitably to censorship.
This is why Communist China bans free speech and monitors internet behavior. Free thought threatens control. And while the official reasoning for the Twitter ban in Tanzania is the presence of pornography, that justification rings hollow. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and private messaging apps contain similar content—but haven’t been banned.
So why Twitter?
Because social media gives people access to alternative viewpoints—especially those that challenge socialist orthodoxy. Capitalism is contagious when people are exposed to its principles. And platforms like Twitter/X have become forums for open dialogue, entrepreneurship, and resistance to state control.
Even in tightly controlled regimes like China, citizens find ways around censorship, especially when it comes to accessing banned content. The truth is, freedom—not porn—is what authoritarian regimes fear most.
Censorship Disguised as Protection
The rise of a female, socialist, Muslim president in Tanzania comes with symbolic weight—but also serious consequences. With the nanny state expanding its grip, ordinary citizens may be waking up to the reality that voting for symbolism over principle can lead to less freedom and more government overreach.
Censorship may be promoted as protection—but in reality, it’s often a mask for political suppression. And unfortunately, many Tanzanians likely don’t fully understand what they’ve signed up for.
A Christian View on Liberty
As Christians, we believe in free will. God gave us laws, but He doesn’t force us to follow them. Why? Because true love and obedience must come from the heart—not compulsion.
Likewise, I can’t force you to follow Jesus Christ, nor should any government force adults to behave morally by silencing dissent or restricting access to information. Censorship doesn’t make people righteous—it makes them ignorant.
Christ calls us to find the Kingdom of God within, and that means allowing individuals to explore, learn, and come to faith by choice, not coercion.
Pray for Tanzania—and for Africa’s Future
I pray for the people of Tanzania, and for all of Africa, where totalitarian models are once again gaining popularity. The rise of figures like Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso signals a disturbing trend toward centralized power and diminished personal freedoms.
Africa has tremendous potential—but it must resist the urge to trade liberty for control, or economic sovereignty for ideological purity.
Russia’s war and global power shifts may lead many African nations to align with authoritarian regimes seeking recruits, money, or influence. But true freedom starts with Christ, not with Western aid or Eastern propaganda.
If Africans—and the world—are to find lasting peace, prosperity, and purpose, it will come by following Yeshua (Jesus Christ) and pursuing liberty not through government but through personal transformation.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.
