Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, has confirmed that it blocked the accounts of vocal critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the order of Tanzanian government.

In a statement on Thursday, Meta confirmed it blocked the accounts of prominent Tanzanian activists Maria Sarungi-Tsehai and Mange Kimambi on Instagram.

“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. Following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators, we have restricted access to this Instagram account in Tanzania in response to regulatory demands,” Meta spokesperson said.

In another statement, Meta spokesperson said it banned an activist and critic of Tanzania government, Mange Kimambi, from Instagram and WhatsApp for repeatedly violating its rules.

This followed heightened repression and clampdown on critics by Tanzanian Government since its controversial election of October 29 won by Mrs Hassan.

Tanzania’s presidential election of October 29 held amid internet shutdown and brutal clampdown on opposition candidates and their supporters, won by Mrs Hassan who polled 98 per cent of votes

The poll has been condemned by both local and international observers.

A post election investigation by the CNN revealed police fatally shooting protesters during the election, loading corpses with gunshots injuries and mass graves.