A California-based activist has filed a lawsuit alleging that social media giant Meta removed her accounts after succumbing to pressure from the Tanzanian government. Mange Kimambi, a 46-year-old influencer with over 10 million followers, claims that Tanzanian authorities targeted her following the country’s contested presidential election last year. According to the complaint filed in San Mateo County Superior Court, Kimambi used platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp to expose alleged killings and organize peaceful protests, drawing the ire of the East African government.

The lawsuit contends that rather than address these concerns directly, Tanzania’s government pressured Meta to suspend Kimambi’s accounts, effectively cutting off her ability to communicate and mobilize supporters. “Meta gave the Tanzanian government what it could not achieve on its own,” the filing states, accusing the company of prioritizing its commercial interests over human rights and freedom of expression. The complaint emphasizes that Meta, as an American company, is expected to uphold protections for free speech under U.S. law.

In addition to account removals, the Tanzanian attorney general has reportedly vowed to arrest Kimambi and has sought her extradition, intensifying the legal and political risks she faces. The plaintiff’s legal action highlights concerns about corporate compliance with authoritarian demands and the broader implications for activists relying on digital platforms to advocate for democracy and human rights.

Meta has not publicly commented on the specific allegations related to this case. The incident underscores the growing tensions between social media companies operating across diverse political environments and the challenges faced by activists whose digital presence becomes a focal point in geopolitical disputes.