Tanzania’s Kanyigo Controversy: Journalists Expelled as  Press Freedom Promises Falter

By Adonis Byemelwa

Despite repeated assurances from national leaders, journalists in Tanzania continue to face significant obstacles in their work. Amidst a landscape marred by censorship, harassment, and the ever-present threat of legal repercussions, the pursuit of truth has become a perilous endeavor.

With increasing reports of intimidation and attacks on media personnel, the reality for those in the field starkly contrasts the promises of freedom and protection. As Tanzania grapples with these challenges, the question remains: will the government uphold its commitments to press freedom, or will the voices of its journalists be further stifled?

On July 11, 2024, stakeholders in the Kanyigo ward, Missenyi District, Kagera Region, abruptly ended a water board meeting at Kanyigo Muslim Seminary Secondary School. The disruption occurred after the ward executive officer, Mr. Daudi Kyaka, ordered the removal of two invited journalists from Radio Karagwe and Kasibante.

The journalists had been invited by the district water board to cover the meeting. Mr. Kyaka claimed that the directive came from the Missenyi District Commissioner, Colonel (retired) Hamis Mayamba Maiga.

This sudden directive led to immediate backlash from the attendees, who questioned the rationale behind excluding the journalists. Audio recordings captured Mr. Kyaka issuing the order and the subsequent objections from the participants. The confusion escalated, prompting the stakeholders to exit the venue in protest, signaling their disapproval of Mr. Kyaka's actions.

Several stakeholders expressed their disappointment following the incident, calling on the government to address the issue. They emphasized that the Kanyigo water project faces numerous challenges, hindering efficient water supply to residents. The stakeholders argued that transparency and media coverage are crucial for highlighting and resolving these issues.

Audio excerpts from the Kanyigo water board members conveyed their frustration over the incident. In a telephone interview, Missenyi District Commissioner Colonel (retired) Hamis Mayamba Maiga denied any involvement in the order to expel the journalists. He firmly stated that he did not instruct Mr. Kyaka to remove the media representatives.

This incident comes just a few months after Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa called on government leaders and officials to eliminate bureaucratic barriers to information access, enabling journalists to obtain accurate information and perform their duties effectively.

 The Prime Minister made this appeal on Friday, May 3, 2024, during a speech to journalists and other stakeholders at the World Press Freedom Day celebrations held at the Jakaya Kikwete Conference Centre in Dodoma.

In his address, Prime Minister Majaliwa stressed the importance of fostering a cooperative relationship between government institutions and the media to promote transparency and accountability. He urged officials to facilitate, rather than hinder, journalists' efforts to report on events accurately.

Nevertheless, on 10^th July 2024, the Tanzanian Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) strongly criticized the recent arrest of Dickson Ng’hily, a journalist and the Digital Business editor at The Guardian newspaper, along with several teachers whose exact number remains undisclosed.

Their alleged offense? Capturing photographs of students studying under trees at Kwembe Primary School. Ng’hily reported sustaining injuries and a broken phone during the incident, which took place under the jurisdiction of Ubungo District authorities.

In a WhatsApp message, Ng’hily detailed the physical assault he endured, stating that his arm was severely beaten and his phone's screen shattered. Following the arrest, he was taken to the local government office and is currently being held at the Ubungo District Commissioner’s office.

"I was arrested by teachers at Kwembe Primary School in Kwembe Ward, Ubungo District," he recounted. "They started beating me and then instructed students to attack me upon discovering me taking photos of them studying outside under a tree."

"After they injured me, they brought me to the Ward Executive Office, where heated arguments ensued. They demanded that I delete the photos I had taken before they would consider releasing me," Ng’hily added.

He continued, stating, "They refused to take me to the Ubungo District Commissioner's Office. They confiscated my ID and phone but allowed me to answer incoming calls. During one such instance, I managed to clandestinely send some of the photos elsewhere without their knowledge."

"After prolonged arguments involving the District Administrative Secretary (DAS), who intervened following instructions from the absent District Commissioner (DC), they finally instructed me to delete the photos before allowing my departure," he said.

"They claimed I had taken photos of children on school premises. I clarified that I was not even near the school; I was far away. Even if someone tried to identify a child or student, distance would make it impossible."

The THRDC, closely monitoring the situation, vehemently defends Ng’hily’s actions as protected under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to disseminate information to the public. They assert that photographing public spaces, including schools, is a legitimate journalistic practice aimed at highlighting societal issues.

The ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Tanzania highlight a significant gap between government rhetoric and actual practice. While national leaders publicly endorse press freedom and the right to information, incidents like the one in Kanyigo ward reveal persistent obstacles that journalists encounter in their daily work.

This discrepancy raises concerns about the commitment of local officials to uphold the principles of press freedom and transparency espoused by their leaders.

Despite repeated assurances from national leaders, journalists in Tanzania continue to face significant obstacles in their work. Amidst a landscape marred by censorship, harassment, and the ever-present threat of legal repercussions, the pursuit of truth has become a perilous endeavor.

With increasing reports of intimidation and attacks on media personnel, the reality for those in the field starkly contrasts the promises of freedom and protection. Tanzania grapples with these challenges, and the question remains: will the government uphold its commitments to press freedom, or will the voices of its journalists be further stifled?

The struggle for press freedom and access to information in Tanzania is far from over. Will tangible actions be taken to bridge the gap between policy and practice, or will the pledges of national leaders remain empty promises? The resilience of Tanzania’s journalists is a testament to their dedication, but their fight for an unshackled press continues unabated.