Finally four banned newspapers allowed to operate

The Minister for Information, Communications and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye announcing the lifting of the ban on four newspapers on February 10, 2022.

Three newspapers Mwanahalisi, Mawio and Mseto which were banned and Tanzania Daima which had its licence revoked have been allowed to operate again.

The Minister for Information, Communications and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye presented operating licences to the newspapers on February 10, 2022.

On April 6, 2022 President Samia Suluhu had ordered the lifting of the ban for media outlets but officials then said the President’s order was for online media only. 

Since then concerted efforts were made by media stakeholders to press for full implementation of the President’s order to facilitate and promote friendly operating conditions for the media.

The three papers had successfully challenged the government’s decision to ban them in courts but authorities were adamant and resisted to implement the court rulings.

Tanzania Daima had its licence revoked after authorities were not amused by the way it handled its reports and efforts to reapply for the licence were futile as officials procrastinated.

Initial indications that the newspapers would be allowed to operate were discerned during the short reign of Nnauye’s predecessor, Dr.Ashatu Kijaji who shifted to the Ministry of Trade, Industries and Investment in a recent cabinet reshuffle.

Announcing the decision during a meeting with editors under the umbrella of the Tanzania Editors’ Forum, Nnauye said that a presidential order was given…. and the President’s order is a law and the law is implemented”

“Today here I will present licences to four newspapers which were banned”, Nnauye said adding that “it is important we should move from words to actions”.

“If I came and say we have good intentions, we should start by opening a new page…work must continue as Mama Samia (the President) urges”, Nnauye said.