META CONFIRMS REMOVAL OF MANGE KIMAMBI’S ACCOUNTS OVER REPEATED VIOLATIONS

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp, has confirmed the removal of accounts belonging to prominent Tanzanian activist and blogger Mange Kimambi for repeated violations of its Community Standards. 

This action follows widespread speculation and accusations from Kimambi, who alleged that the Tanzanian government was behind the ban. Kimambi, a U.S.-based former fashion model and outspoken critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had amassed nearly three million followers on Instagram.

She has been using her platforms to mobilise opposition and organise protests against thegovernment, particularly following the disputed October 29 elections, which President Samia won with approximately 98% of the vote after key opponents were barred from contesting.

Last month, Tanzania’s Attorney-General, Hamza Johari, made a statement widely interpreted as a reference to Kimambi, noting it was “impossible” how “one person outside the country” was directing people through social media. Widespread, sometimes deadly, protests have occurred in the wake of the poll.

In response to inquiries, a Meta spokesperson clarified that the decision was based on internal platform policies,not government influence. The statement read: “While we believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right, we have strict rules about what is and isn’t allowed on our platforms.

These Instagram accounts were removed for violating our recidivism policy. We don’t allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we’ve previously removed for violating our Community Standards.”

The recidivism policy cited by Meta is designed to prevent individuals from evading permanent bans by creating new, similar accounts after previous ones have been removed for serious violations. This indicates that Kimambi’s accounts had faced prior enforcement actions by Meta.