THE nationwide internet blackout and ongoing suspension of X (formerly Twitter) have cost the economy over $238m (560bn/-) in direct losses so far, internet data chroniclers say.

Data compiled using the NetBlocks cost of shutdown tool (COST) shows that intentional disruptions coinciding with the polling on October 29 have delivered a substantial financial blow owing to low productivity, trade and digital services.

The Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a continental social service enterprise with links to the African Union Commission for information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled support systems and advocacy for digital rights, issued this estimate in an update yesterday.

It said that these figures represent conservative, direct economic harm while the true cost is likely to be higher, including losses to socio-political stability, health services and the crucial informal economy that relies on services like mobile payments.

The NGO’s update was part of efforts by digital rights advocates sounding the alarm over the severe economic and human rights costs of recent internet disruptions, “remaining concerned about ongoing censorship, including the sustained suspension of X and reports of bandwidth throttling in parts of the country.”

This has been the case even after general connectivity was restored on Monday, with PIN asserting that the government's actions constitute “a blatant defiance of international and regional human rights instruments to which Tanzania is a state party.”

It cited intrusion into freedom of expression and access to information as violating Articles 9 and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, respectively.

The right to development is also cited as tied to violating Article 22 of the African Union Charter, as development is hindered by the massive economic losses incurred through digital censorship.

Gbenga Sesan, the PIN executive director said in a statement that every shutdown chips away at trust, investment and human potential. “Governments must realise that in today’s world, connectivity is the foundation of opportunity. Shutting down the internet silences citizens, stalls economies, and sets entire nations back.”

PIN reminded the government of its obligations under the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa, which calls for unrestricted and uninterrupted internet access before, during, and after elections.

PIN appealed to the government to comply with human rights standards by restoring full internet access to X and all other restricted platforms, It needs to cease disruption by halting all further internet or platform disruptions, as well as ensuring stability by guaranteeing network stability and freedom from state interference.

Onesmo Olengurumwa, executive director of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) on Tuesday issued a long statement expressing shock and sadness for the scale of violence that began on October 29 and persists in different spheres.

“We have witnessed numerous young people being shot dead or seriously injured without receiving medical treatment during demonstrations, while others were hunted down in their homes. It is disheartening that these events unfolded despite earlier efforts by TLS, THRDC and other stakeholders to push for a national consensus before the elections—efforts that were largely ignored by those in power.

“THRDC and TLS strongly condemn the killings and brutalization of innocent civilians during the protests. We call upon security agencies to respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest and to manage demonstrations professionally to prevent chaos and destruction,” they stated.

‘Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and ensuring its safety is a fundamental duty of the police. We extend our heartfelt THRDC and TLS to families who lost loved ones, and to all who were injured or suffered property loss during the unrest,” the top activists added.