‎The controversy was sparked by footage of a mother breastfeeding her 17-year-old son. A video circulating on social media showing a mother breastfeeding her 17-year-old son has sparked controversy in Tanzania and the East African region.‎ 

‎The footage, which shows the boy returning to his mother’s breast, where he found himself resting on her breast shortly after he began to suckle, has prompted many to comment and ask for an explanation.‎ ‎While some have declared that this is a cruel thing and a violation of the child’s rights, others continue to want to know the reason for this mother breastfeeding this boy’s child.‎ ‎

A reporter from Fox TV visited the mother and her son, where she asked why she continued to breastfeed him after so many years.‎ ‎The mother replied that she did not see any problem in this and declared that what people say does not mean anything to her. However, many continue to say that he may have a mental health problem that needs attention.‎ ‎

Many of those who were interviewed on this story declared that this practice is not appropriate; they believe that such a practice and continuing to breastfeed a boy for many years can affect the mental and social health of a person.‎ ‎

According to those who are involved in the peace mission in the country, many men in Tanzania have started to spread the rumor that they build muscles and have a positive effect on the human body.‎ ‎This rumor has led the government of this country to issue a message warning men to avoid asking their wives for sex in a way that could endanger the lives of their children and wives.‎ ‎

The Handeni Commission, Toba Nguvila, pointed out that many women have revealed that their husbands ask for alms, which has a negative effect on them, including harming children who need those alms to live well.‎

 ‎This has become a controversial topic in Tanzania and neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda, where the rumors are being documented and published on social media, raising doubts about how the sharks are affecting people’s lives.