Research has consistently shown that people tend to become violent when they face severe economic hardships. One historical form of such violence is witch hunts, which have occurred not only in Tanzania but also across Europe and America during the fifteenth century.
Economist Emily Oster found a strong correlation between witchcraft trials and the deterioration of climatic conditions, which devastated the economies of medieval agricultural societies.
The historical European case is remarkably similar to what has been happening recently in Tanzania. Witch hunts are often carried out by young people who are energetic but face insurmountable economic challenges.
In discussing what was happening in Mwanza, researcher Amy Nichols-Belo wrote that violence is enacted by vigilantes who, as young men, are themselves economically marginalised.
Currently, Tanzania is experiencing violence against individuals who are alleged to magically remove others’ private parts. There are violent videos circulating widely on social media documenting these disturbing incidents. It is alleged that if such a person touches your shoulder, your private parts will simply disappear.
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To avoid this tragic experience, one is advised to wear a pin and a rubber band as protection against this supposed magic. Whilst this is clearly an issue of information disorder, it is crucial to approach it from an economic perspective. Misinformation or disinformation is no longer merely an information disorder when it directly threatens people’s right to live.
For example, consider the Zimbabwean “toe-selling” disinformation that spread rapidly in 2022. Some videos circulated showing people with bandages on their toes, claiming they had sold them for thousands of dollars. That was not a violent phenomenon, and it disappeared almost immediately after being debunked by fact-checkers.
Economic pressures and violence
In contrast, what is happening in Tanzania may result in real injuries, if not deaths, even if fact-checkers do their job effectively. This reinforces the argument that it is not simply misinformation or disinformation when it threatens people’s right to live. The underlying causes must be addressed to prevent further escalation.
Some of the economic challenges Tanzania is facing include changes in the United States foreign policy that led to the operational closure of USAID programmes. Tanzania is also experiencing broader geopolitical issues that negatively affect the amount of aid it receives from developed countries. Additionally, the Middle East crisis has had a direct and severe impact on global gas prices.
These complex economic issues have not been discussed in sufficient detail to identify practical ways to navigate them. The pain experienced by people manifests in different ways, and the current violence may be one of the most visible signs. Let me borrow a concept from anthropologist Gary Weaver regarding displaced anger.
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Weaver noted that anger is often displaced onto those lower in the social hierarchy, somewhat like the boy who is spanked by his mother, walks out the front door, and kicks the cat. This raises an important question about the current situation. Is this trending issue simply a way for people to express their deep economic anger?
Whilst I have mentioned some recent economic issues, Tanzania is certainly not exempt from environmental and climatic problems, which have severe long-term effects. This matter should be taken seriously, and every stakeholder has a vital role to play, from the government to the media. The government needs to establish mechanisms that make people feel confident to express themselves, as this is key to economic prosperity.
Freedom of expression matters
It is concerning that when citizen Adriano Amos asked the Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba a valid question, he felt compelled to add a disclaimer. He stated, “I know tomorrow I may wake up in hell,” highlighting the fear associated with speaking out. From true freedom of expression come other essential economic steps that can help stabilise the economy.
The media is another crucial stakeholder that needs to play a role by ensuring that people receive accurate, contextualised information. It is disturbing to see individuals posting violent videos without a clear context. They often use headlines that misinform by suggesting that someone can remove private parts simply by touching another person’s shoulder.
Content creators and influencers, on the other hand, are making jokes about this issue without realising that they may be intensifying the problem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people created humorous videos about the situation to cope with the stress. However, social media platforms also actively removed harmful content to protect lives and prevent panic.
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Similarly, the government can work collaboratively with social media companies to prevent loss of life in this current crisis. This is not about restricting freedom of expression, but about adhering to Article 19(3)(a) of the ICCPR.
This international covenant allows public order and public health to take precedence over the right to hold opinions when lives are at stake.
Yes, this bizarre phenomenon may indeed be a sign of severe economic hardship. Fortunately, Tanzania has the tools and resilience to navigate it successfully.
Francis Nyonzo is a Fulbright Alumnus, an economist and theorist whose research interests span the digital economy, development economics, social justice, and human rights. He is available at francisnyonzo@gmail.com. These are the writer’s own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of The Chanzo. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com for further clarification.
