DAR ES SALAAM: The Eastern Africa Editors Society (EAES) is pleased with the decision by the Tanzanian government to issue licenses to four Tanzania newspapers, a move that allows them to resume their crucial role of education, entertaining and holding those in positions of power accountable.
On February 10, 2022, Nape Nnauye, the Information, Communication, and Technology Minister issued licenses to four newspapers that had been revoked in 2017 on account of breaching media laws and professional ethics. The newspapers include; Tanzania Daima, Mawio, Mwanahalisi and Mseto.
The lifting of the ban coming at a time when Tanzania is set to host this years’ regional activities to mark World Press Freedom Day, the country sends the right signals that the country is moving towards embracing press freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of the media. It is more timely considering this year’s theme is ‘Journalism under Surveillance’ and the Society will be taking stock of the theme within the region.
“We are encouraged by this move by the Ministry, which follows a directive by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. As we celebrate this win, we look forward to engaging with the government to amend laws that continue to infringe on journalists and media’s ability to operate freely, without fear or favor,” asserted Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) chairman, Deodatus Balile.
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In his part, the Chairman of the Eastern Africa Editors Society, Churchill Otieno lauded Tanzanian journalists and editors for keeping faith alive and staying true to their calling, promising continued support and vibrancy in the weeks and months to come.
As Nnauye affirmed, “It’s good to start a new chapter, the ban is enough now, let work continue.”
EAES will be at hand to work closely with the Tanzania Editors Forum, the Tanzanian government and other stakeholders to deepen media freedoms in the country
About the Eastern Africa Editors Society
The EAES is the umbrella body bringing together editor organisations in Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
