Tanzania: President Suluhu lifts ban on media

In a directive to the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, President Suluhu wants the media ban that has been in place since 2015 lifted and ordered authorities to stop harassing the media.

She announced the changes after the swearing in of Principal Secretaries, their deputies and heads of state corporations at State House Dar es Salaam on April 6, 2021.

“The Ministry of Information, you have a lot on your plate. I hear you banned social media outlets. Lift the ban but ensure they adhere to the law and government regulations,” President Suluhu said.

Since the late President John Magufuli came to power in 2015, Tanzania has seen a sharp backslide in respect for basic freedoms of association and expression, undermining both media freedoms and civil society.

Authorities have passed new legislation and enforced existing laws that repress independent reporting and restrict the work of media, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and political opposition groups.

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