By Adonis Byemelwa
In a surprising turn of events, Tanzania has claimed the top spot in safeguarding press freedom within the East African Community (EAC) for the year 2024, as revealed by a recent report from the renowned international institution, Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This remarkable achievement marks a significant leap from its position at 143rd in 2023 to an impressive 97th place this year.
Such a staggering 46-place jump within just one year underscores the noteworthy strides made in bolstering press freedom in Tanzania, surpassing even its counterparts across the African continent. As Tanzania leads the pack among East African nations in press freedom, this newfound recognition highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering a more open and transparent media environment.
Tanzania performs better in press freedom compared to Kenya (102), Burundi (108), the Democratic Republic of Congo (123), Uganda (128), South Sudan (136), Rwanda (144), and Somalia (145). The RSF study examined several crucial issues, including legal foundations, economic conditions, political situation, safety of journalists, and societal and cultural context.
Since taking office in March 2021, President Samia has strengthened press freedom in the country as part of her 4R Philosophy.
President Samia’s 4R Philosophy focuses on Reform, Reconciliation, Resilience, and Rebuilding of the nation. The government of President Samia has reopened previously closed newspapers and improved the working conditions for journalists and media outlets in the country.
Since President Samia took office, incidents of media shutdowns, fines, arrests of journalists, or killings while on duty have disappeared from the country last month.
In an illuminating interview with the BBC on April 3, 2024, President Salome Kitomari of the Media Institute of Southern Africa Tanzania (MISA-TAN) delivered a sobering assessment of Tanzania’s media landscape. She cautioned against hailing Tanzania’s media freedom as truly glorious, citing widespread financial challenges plaguing numerous media outlets. Kitomari highlighted the heavy reliance on government advertisements for survival, a dynamic that grants the government considerable influence over media freedom.
Her poignant observation, “It’s worth noting that a hungry person can hardly assert their rights,” encapsulates the precarious balance between press freedom and economic realities faced by Tanzanian journalists.
The dire situation at The Guardian Limited, where employees face unpaid salaries, discriminatory treatment, and the presence of unqualified foreign nationals in key positions, underscores the precarious state of media freedom in Tanzania.
Despite reports of the company’s poor performance, Indian expatriates continue to enjoy lavish perks while Tanzanian employees struggle to make ends meet. This stark contrast highlights the systemic inequalities within the organization and raises serious concerns about the exploitation of local talent.
Moreover, the termination of contracts for qualified Tanzanian employees like Avit Riwa, solely based on salary considerations, further exposes the arbitrary nature of management decisions. This not only deprives deserving individuals of their livelihoods but also perpetuates a culture of fear and uncertainty among the workforce.
The complicity of senior management, including Mr. Chintaluri and Mr. Hassuji, in prioritizing the interests of foreign nationals over the well-being of Tanzanian employees is deeply troubling. Their actions not only undermine the principles of fair employment practices but also contribute to the erosion of media independence in the country.
Amidst these challenges, the plea of the employees for government intervention and a thorough investigation underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight to safeguard the rights of media workers. The failure to address these issues not only perpetuates injustice within The Guardian Limited but also sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom in Tanzania.
In addition to the internal challenges faced by media organizations like The Guardian Limited, Tanzania’s media landscape is further constrained by draconian laws imposed by the government. The Statistics Act, for instance, severely restricts the dissemination of information by requiring journalists to seek permission from authorities before publishing statistical data. This not only impedes journalists’ ability to report accurately but also fosters a climate of censorship and self-censorship.
Furthermore, the Cybercrimes Act grants authorities’ broad powers to crack down on online dissent and criticism, effectively silencing voices of dissent and stifling freedom of expression. Such oppressive legislation undermines the fundamental principles of democracy and threatens the integrity of Tanzania’s media environment.
On September 19, 2014, in Tanzania, the working relationship between the police and journalists once again raised serious questions. Several journalists were attacked and beaten by police officers when they went to the police headquarters to follow up on the incident of an opposition party leader being summoned to answer questions regarding allegations of inciting violence.
Despite these challenges, Tanzanian journalists continue to courageously navigate the obstacles in their quest for truth and transparency. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of press freedom in Tanzania.
However, the stark reality contradicts recent accolades. While Tanzania claimed the top position in safeguarding press freedom within the East African Community (EAC) in 2024, as reported by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the situation on the ground tells a different story. The struggles faced by media workers at The Guardian Limited underscore the persistent challenges despite such recognition.”
True progress in safeguarding media freedom requires more than just accolades and rankings; it demands tangible actions to address the systemic issues that undermine the rights of journalists and media workers. It calls for a commitment to uphold democratic principles, transparency, and accountability at all levels of governance.
As Tanzania strives towards progress and development, it must recognize that the protection of media freedom is not just a mere accolade but a fundamental pillar of democracy. Without it, the nation risks stifling dissent, suppressing truth, and undermining the very principles it seeks to uphold.
Therefore, the plight of media workers at The Guardian Limited serves as a poignant reminder that while rankings and reports may paint a rosy picture, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one that necessitates urgent action to ensure that press freedom is not just a privilege but a right for all Tanzanians.
The economic crunch isn’t isolated to The Guardian alone; other news outlets like Tanzania Daima have faced closure, leaving journalists demanding over Sh 60 million in unpaid arrears, with their cases pending. Additionally, companies like Raia Tanzania, owned by seasoned Kiswahili novelist and politician Erick Shigongo, have also shuttered due to financial woes.
Ministers for Information, Nape Nnauye and Deputy Premier, Doto Biteko, have pledged to push media companies indebted to the government for payment to help revive their economic situations. These developments highlight the precarious state of media freedom and financial stability within Tanzania’s media landscape, demanding immediate attention and action.
