- Foreign media told to avoid biased reporting
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has called on Tanzanians to remain calm and ignore divisive narratives as the Independent Commission of Inquiry investigates breaches of peace during and after the October 29th General Election.
It also urged foreign media outlets to avoid reporting biased or sensationalised news about the incidents and advised citizens including the youth to avoid being coined by those seeking to engage them in chaos.
Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Gerson Msigwa, made the remarks yesterday during a press conference in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Msigwa called on the public to refrain from spreading information that could interfere with the Commission’s ongoing investigation or create panic, hostility or chaos in the country.
“Given that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established the Independent Commission of Inquiry, it is imperative for media outlets to avoid interfering with its work.
Any media organisation with investigative information should submit it to the Commission for consideration in its findings,” he said.
He added that once the investigation is complete, the government will release comprehensive information regarding the aftermath of the unrest, including the number of casualties, the scale of property and infrastructure damage and the whereabouts of any missing persons.
Mr Msigwa reminded the public that the Commission has a three-month timeframe to complete its investigation.
Expressing condolences, he extended sympathies to all victims, including those who lost loved ones or property, stressing that the October electionrelated incidents “affected every Tanzanian, either directly or indirectly.”
He also commended citizens nationwide for exercising their democratic right to vote.
Mr Msigwa urged young people to ignore and resist any false information aimed at destabilising the country, saying that Tanzania’s future and that of coming generations, depends on unity.
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Addressing foreign media, he called for professionalism centred on accuracy, fairness, balance and accountability.
He criticised a recent CNN documentary on the events following the October 29th General Election, describing it as biased and lacking input from the Tanzanian government.
“The CNN documentary also violated the principle of natural justice, which requires both sides to be heard,” he said, noting that preliminary verification shows the reporter was not in Tanzania during the events.
Verification and fact-checking of the documentary are ongoing.
Mr Msigwa also singled out Al Jazeera, BBC and DW for reporting biased news on the October unrest.
He urged these outlets, along with CNN, to seek clarification from the Tanzanian government, including the Office of Information Services and other relevant agencies.
“Reporting sensational news is unprofessional and unacceptable,” he said, stressing that his office remains open to any media seeking accurate information about the incidents or other developments in Tanzania.
He commended local media outlets for upholding professionalism by avoiding unverified or inflammatory reporting that could incite chaos, panic or fear.
He called on all journalists to continue practicing responsible journalism, emphasising accuracy, accountability, impartiality and transparency.
“That means verifying facts, avoiding bias and conflicts of interest, and being transparent about sources and mistakes,” he said.
Mr Msigwa assured the international community that Tanzania remains safe and calm, with citizens continuing normal socio-economic activities.