(MISA/IFEX) – The editors of the three Kiswahili-language newspapers that were banned by the Tanzanian government met Minister of Information Kingunge Ngombare Mwiru to plead their case. Deo Masakilija, the editor of “Arusha Leo”, and Saidi Msonda, the editor of “Kasheshe”, both told MISA that the meeting in Dodoma on 9 June was cordial, with […]
(MISA/IFEX) – The editors of the three Kiswahili-language newspapers that
were banned by the Tanzanian government met Minister of Information Kingunge
Ngombare Mwiru to plead their case. Deo Masakilija, the editor of “Arusha
Leo”, and Saidi Msonda, the editor of “Kasheshe”, both told MISA that the
meeting in Dodoma on 9 June was cordial, with the minister expressing some
optimism that the ban might be overturned. However, he gave no indication
when this would happen.
**Updates IFEX alert dated 9 June 1998**
In the meantime, Kunta Enterprises International (TZ) Limited, which owns
“Arusha Leo” and “Chombeza”, the third paper that was banned, has revived a
defunct newspaper, “Watu”, to make up for the ban on the two papers. “Watu”,
which was legally registered in the early 90s but closed down in 1995, was
back on the streets 10 June, containing articles and features that would
have appeared in the banned papers.
Background Information
On 6 June, Minister Mwiru, in individual letters to each newspaper, informed
them that they had been banned with effect from 8 June because of their
“persistent featuring of pornographic cartoons and unethical articles”. His
action was sanctioned by Section 25(1) of the Newspaper Act, No. 3 of 1976,
which states: “Where the Minister is of the opinion that it is in the public
interest or in the interest of peace and good order so to do, he may, by
order in the Gazette, direct that the newspaper named in the order shall
cease publication as from the date…specified in the order”. Section 15(1)
of this same Act gives the minister the power to cancel registration of any
newspaper if he is convinced that such a paper was contravening “the policy
it had promised to adhere to” (see IFEX alert).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights recognise the right to freedom
of expression and the right to receive and impart information, and that his
action, even though it might be sanctioned by Tanzanian law, goes against
the spirit and purpose of these internationally accepted treaties
Appeals To
The Honourable Kingunge Ngombare Mwiru (MP)
Minister of State Responsible for Information
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
PO Box 3021, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania, East Africa.
Tel: +255 51 117269
Fax: +255 51 112850
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
