(MISA/IFEX) – On 10 October 2003, the Kome Kichangani village authority expelled a group of local and foreign journalists from the Lake Victoria island of Kome, in Tanzania’s Mwanza region. The foreign journalists, who are from the United States and France, and a local reporter from the “East African” newspaper were undertaking research on fisheries […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 10 October 2003, the Kome Kichangani village authority expelled a group of local and foreign journalists from the Lake Victoria island of Kome, in Tanzania’s Mwanza region.
The foreign journalists, who are from the United States and France, and a local reporter from the “East African” newspaper were undertaking research on fisheries in the lake region for documentaries and feature articles. In addition to being expelled, the journalists’ passports and accreditation cards, which they had obtained from the Department of Information Services (MAELEZO), were also confiscated.
The journalists include French nationals Huvert Sauper and another individual known only as Shndor, Tanzanian Richard Mgamba and an American, known only by his first name, Nick.
On 15 October, Mgamba and Sauper reported the incident to Mwanza Regional Commissioner Daniel Ole Njoolay. They told Njoolay that the village authority had also demanded US$300 to allow them to pursue their activities on the island. The journalists had refused to hand over the money.
Njoolay has since directed Sengerema District Commissioner Esther Marieta to ensure that the village leadership returns the accreditation cards and travel documents to the journalists. He further instructed Marieta to arrest and file charges against the chairperson of Kome Kichangani village.
Njoolay also urged the authorities to allow journalists to pursue their duties freely and without any disturbances since they are working legally in the country.
