STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2022 bans. “Tanzania respects the freedom of the media and that comes with responsibilities. The media is crucial to the development of society but must play within the laws established and must help African governments achieve their objectives,” President Suluhu, the chief guest and keynote speaker said at the 2023 World Press Freedom Day Commemorations in Arusha. This marked the turning point in Tanzania’s media landscape. In 2022, Reporters Without Borders said that Magufuli “had become increasingly authoritarian and hostile” toward media and that President Suluhu’s rise to power has “brought initial hopeful signs that have yet to come to fruition.” Engagements and advocacy campaigns by media stakeholders have also played a critical role in reducing the number of media violations. The number of press violations went down from an average of 20 cases per year for the year 2020 and 2021 to three cases in 2022. While significant gains have been achieved, arrests of journalists are still prevalent in Tanzania. expression as stated by Section 18(1) of United Republic of Tanzania’s constitution, but the right is not absolute. This right has, however, been undermined by the continuous passing and enacting of a series of repressive regulations over the years. Pieces of legislation such as the Tanzania Cybercrimes Act of 2015 have been criticised as being ultra vires to the Constitution. Stakeholders, including journalists, feel that the law can be used by state actors to undermine the right to freedom of expression online. The law was enforced again in 2021. According to a Freedom House Report on Tanzania, censorship of media reporting on security matters remained in place under President Suluhu. Authorities require a permit for reporting on police or prison activities both on the mainland and in Zanzibar, and journalists need special permission to cover meetings of the National Assembly or attend meetings in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.(5) For example, it was reported that eight journalists were arrested in the first two months of 2022 Anyone publishing information accusing a Zanzibari representative of involvement in illegal activities is liable to a fine, three years’ imprisonment, or both. The government may fine and suspend newspapers without warning. With the next elections due in 2025, it is hoped that the current media environment will be maintained as stakeholders continue monitoring and engaging developments. The government of Zanzibar controlled content on the radio and television stations it owned but allowed discussions on media policy reform to take place. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS Tanzania has a raft of media laws regulating print, electronic and online platforms. In Tanzania, it is imperative to note that media and broadcasting regulation are not according KAS “Union Matters” and, therefore, the governments of both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar are entitled to pass laws for the regulation on these matters in their respective territories as they see fit.(4) Public criticism of the government has resulted in punitive action in some cases. Authorities used the Cybercrimes Act to bring criminal charges against individuals who criticised the government. Citizens and the media enjoy the right to free 58 There were government restrictions on broadcasting in tribal languages, and broadcasts in Kiswahili or English were officially preferred. Tanzania also has libel/slander laws which law provide for the arrest, prosecution, and punishment for the use of seditious, abusive, or derogatory language to describe the country’s leadership. The law makes defamation a criminal act. The concept of national security has also been used to muzzle the media as it authorises the police to raid and seize materials from newspaper offices and authorises the minister responsible for overseeing media to “prohibit or otherwise sanction the publication of any content that jeopardizes national security or public safety”. Limiting internet freedom is another way in which authorities in Tanzania curtail freedom of expression.