Tanzania Suspends Newspaper Over Government Rift Report

Tanzania has suspended a weekly newspaper for six months over alleged breaches of media law, the information ministry said Wednesday, after the outlet published a story alleging divisions within the government.

The suspension of Mwanahalisi, a newspaper long critical of the government, takes effect immediately and covers both the newspaper’s print and electronic editions, the Information Services Department said in a statement.

Authorities said the suspension followed the publication of a story earlier this month alleging that Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi was unwilling to step down from his position following pressure from the ruling party.

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The article claimed that Nchimbi had disagreed with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing unnamed sources.

Authorities said the report lacked balance and verification.

It also noted that Nchimbi had not been interviewed, and claims attributed to the country’s information minister were not independently confirmed.

“The Director of Information Services determined that the newspaper should receive a more severe penalty than the previous one,” the statement said.

Tanzania Suspends Newspaper Over Government Rift Report — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Photographer: Ericky Boniphace/AFP/Getty Images

The outlet received a warning earlier this year for publishing a story that was roughly translated as “When will the 2021 Samia meet the 2026 Samia?”

Hassan became president following the death of authoritarian leader John Magufuli in March 2021 and was initially praised for easing restrictions on the opposition and media.

A photo of the information minister with the caption “Nchimbi” was another mistake that authorities pointed out.

Under Tanzania’s Media Services Act, the newspaper has 30 days to appeal the decision.

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The government added that it had summoned another newspaper, Jamvi la Habari, to explain recent stories that may have breached regulations.

In February 2022, Mwanahalisi was one of four newspapers that were allowed to start up again after being outlawed under Magufuli.

According to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Tanzania is ranked 117th out of 180 nations in terms of press freedom.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.