President John Pombe Magufuli has tightened his grip on media; by passing a set of laws that limit international media coverage of upcoming elections. Magufuli, who is running for president again, has officially banned international media; from broadcasting news made without the government’s approval. The Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority announced the new laws; which will affect collaborative media reportage between domestic and international news outlets.
Tanzania’s elections are set to take place towards the end of October this year; and has resulted in incremental censoring of media by President Magufuli. The latest regulations require that media broadcasters first seek permission from the government within seven days of their desired coverage. Additionally, international media teams are required to have a government-appointed representative during the coverage. Local journalists have called the move an infringement on human rights and journalistic freedom. Further government regulations have imposed a ban on registered Tanzanian media outlets; who frequently collaborate with international media for broadcasts.
Tanzanian journalist Fred Muvunyi, who works for German news platform DW; says that he has “never seen or heard anything like this in [his] life as a journalist.”
Governments shutting down internet connections, banning public demonstrations, suppressing media freedom; and silencing dissenting views from citizens has been ongoing in Africa. Recently, Algerian journalist Drareni Khaled was sentenced to three years in prison; for covering anti-government protests in the country. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter was sparked by the government’s violent response to public demonstrations; in addition to the mass arrest of activists, opposition leaders and citizens.
4 Comments
I really like and appreciate your blog post.
I really like and appreciate your blog post.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web site is in fact pleasant.
Very good article! We are linking to this particularly great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.