Mara Press Club: Tanzania’s Press Freedom-Challenges, Progress, and Continuing Struggles.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In Tanzania, the dynamic relationship between journalists and law enforcement has long been characterized by a delicate balance of progress and persistent challenges. Recent debates and incidents have shed light on the critical necessity for enhanced collaboration, strict adherence to legal frameworks, and the unwavering defense of press freedom.

Amidst the Fourth Security and Safety Debate convened by the Union of Tanzanian Press Clubs (UTPC), voices from the Mara Region Press Club (MRPC) and the police echoed a unified call for concerted efforts while upholding legal integrity.

Ally Seif, the District Executive Secretary of Musoma, accentuated the interconnectedness of their roles, emphasizing the pivotal role of professionalism in fostering improved relations to safeguard peace and public interests.

Echoing this sentiment, MRPC Lawyer, Daud Mahemba, emphasized the necessity of operating within legal parameters, urging all stakeholders, including State officials, to leverage their expertise in tackling challenges collaboratively.

James Mnubi, the Chairman of the ACT Tanzania Mara Region, emphasized the importance of police expertise, particularly during electoral periods, in ensuring the impartial protection of citizens and property.

Similarly, Nimrod Swai, the coordinator of the Centre for Widows Children (CWCA), stressed the adherence to ethical codes guiding both journalists and law enforcement, highlighting the essential role of mutual respect and understanding.

Amidst these deliberations, journalists have proposed broader engagement with political and governmental figures as a potential avenue for addressing systemic issues. Recognizing the need for comprehensive dialogue, Raphael Okelo, the Vice-Chairman of MRPC, revealed the fundamental outcomes of debates between journalists and Police Commanders, culminating in the establishment of inclusive committees to address multifaceted challenges, including those extending beyond security concerns to encompass broader societal interests, such as sports.

Together, these voices articulate a collective commitment to fostering a symbiotic relationship between journalists and law enforcement, grounded in professionalism, legal adherence, and mutual understanding.

Thomas Makene, representing Mara's Police Commander Salim Morcas, highlighted the mutual responsibility of both parties in building peace and fostering cooperation. He emphasized the necessity of joint sessions to address challenges and suggested practical measures such as using identifiers during gatherings to prevent misunderstandings.

However, despite these calls for collaboration, instances of police aggression towards journalists persist. On September 18, 2014, police officers armed with weapons and dogs violated the advocated good relations by assaulting journalists and impeding their work.

This incident, following the advocacy of former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Ghalib Bilal, underscores the urgency of ensuring accountability and respect for press freedom within law enforcement agencies.

Tragic events like the death of journalist Daud Mwangosi in 2012 further highlight the risks journalists face. Mwangosi's family sued the government and the police, alleging deliberate killing while on duty.

A report by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) implicated police authorities in his death, indicating systemic challenges within law enforcement that threaten press freedom and journalists' safety.

Similarly, the arrest of six police officers in connection with the death of student Akwilina Akweline in 2019 raises concerns about police accountability and respect for human rights. Akweline's tragic death, along with the investigation into other officers, underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to address impunity and safeguard citizens' rights.

Despite these challenges, there have been positive developments. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration lifted bans on several media outlets, signaling a potential shift towards greater press freedom. However, concerns remain about the sustainability of these reforms and the broader environment for journalistic freedom.

The international community has also taken notice of Tanzania's press freedom challenges. Reporters Without Borders annual press freedom index highlights Tanzania's decline in rankings due to increasing authoritarianism and hostility towards media under former President John Pombe Magufuli. While Hassan's presidency has shown initial signs of improvement, significant challenges persist, requiring sustained efforts to strengthen press freedom and protect journalists' rights.

Tanzanian journalists, such as Maxence Melo Mubyazi, have faced persecution for their work, including legal charges and fines. Melo's case highlights the broader crackdown on dissenting voices and the critical role of advocacy organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in defending press freedom.

Tanzania's press freedom landscape is marked by both progress and challenges. While recent reforms signal positive steps towards greater freedom of expression, systemic issues such as police brutality, legal persecution, and impunity pose significant threats to journalists' safety and freedom. Continued advocacy, reforms, and international attention are essential to address these challenges and ensure a vibrant, free press in Tanzania.