In power since March 2021, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has just lifted the ban on political meetings that had paralyzed the opposition since 2016. “You are all free to criticize the government,” said the president, who says she is ready to defend democracy and fundamental freedoms. This decision appears …
Read More »Tanzania: opposition says “no” to reconciliation talks
Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema is boycotting a planned national dialogue because the agenda does not include talks about a new constitution. Freeman Mbowe, Chadema’s chairman, was recently held on terror charges for eights months and announced the boycott on Friday at his first press briefing since his release. The …
Read More »Tanzania: ban on newspapers “critical of Magufuli” lifted
Tanzania has lifted a ban on four newspapers suspended when the late President John Magufuli was in power, the BBC reports. The four – Mwanahalisi, Mawio, Mseto and Tanzania Daima – had their licences suspended for various reasons, including publishing false stories. They were regarded as being critical of Mr …
Read More »Tanzania: Former BBC journalist joins president’s office
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed former BBC Swahili journalist Zuhura Yunus as Presidential Communications Director. Zuhura Yunus replaces Jaffar Haniu who has other responsibilities. The renowned journalist left the BBC this year after 14 years. She started out as a radio presenter and producer in 2008. Zuhura Yunus …
Read More »Events or festivities banned as Tanzanians mourn late John magufuli
The governor of the Tanzanian city of Dar Es Salaam announced that residents are prohibited from organizing events or festivities while the nation mourns the late President John Magufuli. “President Samia Suluhu has declared 21 days of mourning and I will issue this order to you that during those days …
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