JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Tanzania Government Urges Foreign Media to Observe Professionalism and Procedures; Insists Country is Safe
The Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, has stated that the Tanzanian government is saddened by the increase in international media outlets publishing one-sided reports on events during the 2025 general election.Speaking on November 23 at the JNICC Hall in Dar es Salaam, Msigwa said that some of these outlets, including CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, and DW, have published stories containing allegations without giving the government a chance to reply, a matter he described as a violation of journalistic ethics and principles.
He stated that a review of the CNN documentary is ongoing and noted that it is untrue that the outlet failed to get the government's side. He urged foreign media to follow official sources and observe balance, fairness, and accountability to avoid causing panic.
Msigwa added that the government, including President Samia, is saddened and hurt by the events that occurred during the election, and that ongoing discussions that incite anger will not benefit the nation.
Furthermore, he said the government is ready to listen to public questions and advice, while emphasizing that security organs continue to ensure the safety of citizens and their property. He assured tourists that Tanzania remains a safe and welcoming country for visitors, urging them to ignore misleading reports.
Regarding statistics on deaths and injuries, Msigwa said those releasing them without authority are agitators, as correct statistics should come from the government after a thorough evaluation.
Additionally, Msigwa applauded local journalists for putting the nation's interests first (patriotism) and asked them not to fear online attacks. He assured them that the government will ensure Tanzanian media outlets work freely without interference.
Regarding the protests planned for December 9, Msigwa appealed to the youth not to follow the crowd into actions that could destroy peace, emphasizing that the government is organized to protect citizens' safety and property. He added that information regarding Independence Day celebrations would be released within two days.
However, Larry Madowo, the CNN journalist who prepared the election report in collaboration with his colleagues, said he was not invited to this government press conference, even though the government has his contact details, and emphasized that the government did not cooperate when he sought them out regarding the investigative report they prepared.
Public Opinion:
Many have opposed the government's clarification that these media outlets reported one side, saying that all the outlets stated they sought out the government, but the government was not ready to speak to them. Citizens believe that none of these outlets could be lying about this. They claim they know the government; when required to answer complex questions—even for other events—they have been reluctant to cooperate.
Others have said that for the government to oppose how the outlets reported rather than opposing the content reported confirms that everything said was true, and what is required now is accountability for all those involved.
Some have said these outlets got the chance to do this investigation because they have become the last resort for citizens after failing to get answers from the government since the killings occurred. They say the commission of inquiry was even formed under outside pressure; otherwise, the government would have remained silent and continued its activities as if nothing had happened.
Furthermore, others have continued to congratulate foreign media for reporting on events during the election and for exposing the truth, which the government tried to hide to avoid accountability, while local media are denied the freedom to do so. Although Msigwa said local media work 'freely', citizens claim that the failure to invite foreign media to his meeting is because all those invited are controlled by the government and are expected not to ask anything that would put the government in a bad position, unlike CNN, who have freedom in its work.
ACT-Wazalendo File Case Challenging Baba Levo's Victory
Members of ACT-Wazalendo in the Kigoma Urban Constituency have filed a case challenging the victory of Member of Parliament Clayton Chipando (Baba Levo), claiming the election results were tampered with.They stated that initial results showed Baba Levo getting 35,725 votes against 16,619 for Zitto Kabwe, while Samia was announced to have received 85,000 votes. People questioned how this was possible when the parliamentary votes did not even reach 60,000. To ensure the parliamentary results matched Samia's, Baba Levo's and Zitto's votes were increased to 50,000 and 35,000, respectively.
In a press conference on November 23, the members accused Baba Levo of using force and intimidation in collaboration with the Police to arrest ACT-Wazalendo agents.
Additionally, they claimed that the October 29 election was full of pollution, hooliganism, deception, oppression, bullying, sabotage, threats, robbery, and tyranny against the rights and freedom of citizens to choose the leaders they want, as their agents were prevented from entering with the INEC register containing photos of all voters at the station so they could not identify people added to vote at that station contrary to the law.
Public Opinion:
Many citizens have expressed surprise at ACT-Wazalendo members complaining about stolen votes, even though during their campaigns, they assured Tanzanians that they would protect votes on October 29, despite warnings that, no matter what, CCM would play foul. Citizens are telling them to stop causing panic, as people have important matters to attend to at this time.
Police: Priest of Ngaruka Parish, Fr. Josephat Misigaro, and Two Others Were Not Kidnapped
The Police Force in the Kigoma region has denied reports circulating online claiming that Father Josephat Misigaro and two citizens, Vedasto and Selule, were kidnapped by unknown people, stating that those claims are untrue.
According to Commander ACP Philemon Makungu, Father Misigaro was 'merely called' for questioning regarding criminal allegations on November 20 and released the same day, while the Police said they have received no reports regarding the disappearance of Vedasto or Selule.
The Police have urged citizens to remain calm while the investigation into those who issued these misleading reports continues, and they warned that strict legal action will be taken against those found to be involved in spreading incorrect information.
Public Opinion:
Many have criticized how the Police handle kidnapping and disappearance incidents, saying the Police come out to deny kidnapping claims only when citizens raise their voices after seeing the person being arrested. They question: Why are procedures not followed if they are not criminals kidnapping Tanzanians? Why go like thieves and come to identify themselves only after people start looking for their loved ones, thinking they have been abducted?
Additionally, others have said that incidents of people being kidnapped and disappearing have become common in the country, to the extent that people are no longer shocked, a matter that casts doubt on the country's safety and its development in general. Others feel the country has become like a gang of criminals where anyone can decide to do anything without being held accountable!
