Beitrag vom 16.02.2022

The Africa Report

Tanzania: President Samia has lifted a ban on four newspapers, but is she doing enough?

By Abdul Halim, in Dar es Salaam

Tanzania has announced the lifting of a ban that had been imposed by the late President John Pombe Magufuli on four newspapers. The move by the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office nearly a year go, has been welcomed, but how much has really changed given draconian laws from Magufuli's time are still in place.

Information and communication minister Nape Nnauye issued new publishing licences to Mawio, Mwanahalisi, Mseto and Tanzania Daima newspapers.

Speaking during a meeting with editors on Thursday 10 February, the minister said the licences were restored on the order of the president as part of her promise to uphold press freedom. “[…] the government [intends] to have a fresh start with journalists [and] today we are starting a new chapter. Let’s do our work while maintaining professional ethics.”

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