Region’s stifled press freedom threatens progress

With the presidential election fast approaching on October 25, Tanzanians should be exposed to all sides of the political discussion.

In fact, a Kenyan radio station interviewed Tundu Lissu -- President John Magufuli’s main challenger -- on August 9 and the opposition leader discussed elections, media freedom and Covid-19.

But the following day, on August 10, The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) published new regulations that would ban local media from broadcasting foreign media without explicit government approval.

Lissu has long been a political rival of Magufuli, and returned to his country in July after three years of exile in Belgium following an assassination attempt in Dodoma in 2017.

The new TCRA rules, which are called the electronics and postal communications amendment, also demand that non-national journalists working with locals be accompanied by a government-appointed minder whenever covering stories in Tanzania.

Any domestic media channel seeking to broadcast content created abroad must seek a special license from the government. The administration’s claimed perspective is that the move is aimed at ensuring that foreign news adheres to professional standards. But critics say that the move restricts freedom of the press by influencing international media, and will ultimately undermine democracy. 

Since assuming the presidency five years ago, many have accused President John Magufuli of attacking journalists and political opponents, and using a wide array of policies to undermine and restrict the media.

This particular episode is one in a long line of moves that oppress free speech in Tanzania, which is ranked number 124 of 180 in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index 2020. In 2015, it was ranked 75. This rapid and steep descent is a bad sign for our neighbour, and an indication that much work has yet to be done in East Africa overall.

In Somalia, on our other border, press freedom is almost non-existent, whether it be for foreign or local journalists. In Ethiopia the situation is hardly any different, with frequent reports citing the lack of transparency allowed to foreign journalists in the country’s most remote areas.

Kenya compares differently to her neighbours. While historically we have had our fair share of journalist repression, our media industry today is thriving more than ever. Especially, with so many new media communications channels such as podcasts and social media, we are as Kenyans very well connected; both to each other and with the outside world.

As concerned citizens, it is important that we keep track of what is happening in government and stay involved at the local level. This guarantees the growth of our democracy.

At the root of that is the freedom of the press. We need to stay informed, and to be active in our democracy if we expect it to deliver results. The importance of an open and safe discourse cannot be stressed enough.

While no president, no matter how high his or her approval ratings, is perfect, it is at least a good sign that we are able to criticise the leadership and to publicly discuss what frustrates us with the state of affairs.

This is a symbol of openness and a sign also that we are ready for great changes. As a nation, we cannot rest until we are satisfied. We do not need to accept the status quo when we have the privilege - but also the fundamental right - to seek positive changes, to always strive for more and for better.

This is the essence of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four development agenda as well as all other plans to push Kenya’s economic growth forward and on. Growth is an ongoing process, and repression of any kind is going to hinder it.

While many of our neighbouring countries are suffering from oppressive leaders unwilling to relinquish their grip on power, often generating violence and chaos, Kenya is tranquil and thriving.

Sure, we have our fair share of chaos in the press, but that is a healthy dose of discourse. Rather than crushing opposition, all those interested in running for the presidency in 2022 are publicly debating and appealing to voters - the real decision makers.

This is democracy in action.

-Mr Leo is a public policy analyst. Mylesleo19@gmail.com