Written by
Faridah N Kulumba
The government of Tanzania on Wednesday this week suspended the ruling party owned newspaper Uhuru for two weeks for publishing a “false” story about the newly sworn in President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This was the first time in the history of Tanzania the authorities had slapped such a ban on Uhuru newspaper which is owned by President Hassan’s party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and the first such action against any media outlet since Hassan became the president of Tanzania in March 2021.
The background
The suspension of Uhuru was sparked by the story which was published on a front page claiming Hassan who has been in office for only 5 months was not considering running for presidency in 2025.
The government spokesman Gerson Msigwa clarified on this matter saying President Hassan has made no declaration about not running for the presidency in 2025, adding that the paper made “legal and professional mistakes.”
Hassan was sworn in as Tanzania’s sixth president on March 19, 2021 after the sudden death of President John Pombe Magufuli, due to the constitution of Tanzania.
During Magufuli’s administration, the increasingly leader had cracked down on the media, activists and free speech.
In the weeks after her swearing in, she reached out to the political opposition, vowing to defend democracy and basic freedoms, and reopening banned media outlets.
Punishment or walking in Mgufuli’s footsteps?
According to the Information Services Office they believe that the suspension is a punishment which will provide an opportunity for the newspaper to review and improve its professional and ethical conducts, in accordance with the laws and regulations.
It will also remind all media houses to comply with the existing laws and regulations and observe ethics.
Chama cha Mapinduzi secretary general Daniel Chongolo revealed that several Uhuru newspaper editors, including chief editor were also suspended.
The Constitution made me president
While speaking to BBC this week, President Hassan revealed that she never thought of becoming President, but the Constitution made her one.
The first Tanzania’s female president said even working under her predecessor Magufuli, she never envisioned her presidency in a country that had only men taking the mantle since independence but the constitution paved the way for her rule, given she was Magufuli’s Vice President.
Hassan said her commitment and determination to steer Tanzania are still intact despite the challenges that come with the highly coveted office.
