The IPI global network strongly condemns the violence and attacks on journalists by authorities during election-related protests in Tanzania in late October. Three journalists were killed, and several were arrested, amid a violent crackdown on protestors in which at least 700 people were killed. We welcome the inquiry into the widespread killings and call for transparent, independent investigations into violence against the press.
Three journalists, Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya, Maneno Selanyika, and Master Tindwa Mtopa, were among the Tanzanians who were killed during the brutal crackdown on protests by security personnel after the disputed October 29 general elections that delivered a 97.66% win to incumbent President Samia Hassan.
The protests, which lasted three days, were a response to perceived election rigging and the continued suppression of the opposition. Video evidence revealed police using live ammunition to disperse crowds in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, including in residential areas. Opposition parties and human rights organisations have estimated overall civilian deaths in the hundreds, figures that the government claims are exaggerated. A blanket internet shutdown implemented on election day severed communication and reporting channels, violating the public’s right to information and impairing transparency and accountability efforts amidst state violence.
Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya, a reporter with Baraka FM, was shot while reporting on the protests on 29 October in Mbeya. Tanzanian media have reported that Maneno Selanyika, a freelance journalist based in Dar es Salaam, was shot dead by police on October 29 while going to a local shop to buy home supplies during the curfew imposed on election day in the port city. His body has not yet been recovered. Master Tindwa Mtopa, a sports broadcaster with Clouds Media, was shot by the police at his home in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, on 30 October. He was not reporting on the protests at the time of his death.
Journalists were also apprehended during the security operation. In Arusha, the police arrested Godfrey Thomas from Millard Ayo TV and charged him with treason for reporting on the protests. Also arrested was Alphonce Kusaga from Sunrise radio. On November 14, President Hassan announced an inquiry into the election violence and called for leniency towards protesters charged with treason, an offence punishable with the death penalty.
In addition to safety and security concerns, the media in Tanzania are hampered by restrictive laws and regulations, and face arbitrary suspension or withdrawal of licences. Journalists often face harassment and intimidation, and foreign coverage is restricted.
“IPI shares our condolences to the colleagues and family of the killed journalists,” says Dr Marystella Simiyu, IPI’s Africa Senior Legal Advocacy Officer. “We strongly condemn the violence and harassment experienced by journalists during the election protests and call on authorities to uphold the rights of the media to report freely and safely.”
The statement was updated on 25 November to reflect reports stating that Maneno Selenyika was among the journalists killed. He had previously been reported as seriously injured.