The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), has called for enhanced safety and security for journalists ahead of the upcoming general elections in Tanzania.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, has responded positively to the call, assuring journalists of their safety during this crucial period.
In previous elections, journalists in Tanzania have faced numerous security challenges, including physical assault, confiscation of work equipment, denial of access to campaign events, ejection from political convoys, and even arrests.
Speaking during the National Dialogue on Safety and Safety of Journalists held at the United Nations Hall in Dar es Salaam, representatives from UNESCO, THRDC, and UTPC stressed the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for media professionals.
Delivering UNESCO’s message on behalf of Country Representative Michel Toto, Head of Communication and Information Programs Nancy Angulo emphasized that journalism plays a vital role in promoting public participation, accountability, and democracy.
However, she noted that journalists often face threats, legal intimidation, and even violence simply for doing their jobs.
“Silencing a journalist is silencing society,” Angulo said, reaffirming UNESCO’s commitment to protecting journalists through the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
She added that UNESCO, in partnership with the government and stakeholders, will continue to promote freedom of expression, develop supportive legal frameworks, and focus on the safety and security of all journalists especially women.
“We are ready to work with the government to develop a curriculum that promotes freedom of expression and journalist safety and security,“We thank UTPC, THRDC, and IMS for organizing this important dialogue. A safe journalist means a safe society and a stronger democracy.” she Said
UTPC Executive Director Kenneth Simbaya stressed the importance of Safety and Security for journalists as they carry out their duties. He noted that UTPC, in collaboration with the international media support organization IMS and the police force, has organized 56 dialogue sessions across 14 regions in Tanzania.
“The goal of these dialogues is to ensure that journalists can operate in safe environments and maintain ongoing discussions with law enforcement and other stakeholders,” Simbaya said. “We believe this cooperation will greatly enhance journalist safety, especially during the election season.”
National Coordinator of THRDC, Advocate Onesmo Ole Ngurumwa, emphasized that journalists are key stakeholders in any electoral process and deserve protection to work in a secure environment. He acknowledged past incidents where journalists were arrested or barred from working, calling for stronger protections to ensure professionalism and impartiality.
He also advised journalists to maintain neutrality and avoid aligning themselves with political parties:
“Wearing party attire or neglecting journalistic ethics puts your safety at risk,” Ole Ngurumwa warned.
Opening the national dialogue, IGP Camillus Wambura reassured journalists that the police force is fully prepared to maintain security during the election period. He noted that police commanders across all regions have been instructed to work closely with the media as part of implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R philosophy (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding).
“The police are committed to ensuring that all parties—including the media—can perform their duties lawfully and safely,” Wambura said. He praised UTPC for organizing the regional dialogues and acknowledged THRDC’s role in building journalist capacity, especially in legal matters.
“We will continue working with journalists to uphold the law without compromising anyone’s safety,” he said. “But journalists must also take personal responsibility for their safety first.”
The event brought together journalists, civil society organizations, police officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Sports. Topics discussed include press freedom violation incidents recorded in2024-2025 presented by UTPC Project Coordinator Victor Maleko,The Role of THRDC in promoting and Protecting Joutnalists in Tanzania presented by Advocate Paul Kisabo and gender-based threat and hassasment ,support system,strategies for protection presented by Dr. Rose Reuben, Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association and the Role of the police force in insuring safety and security for citizen,journalist and CSOs during Election presented by Deputy commissioner of police,David Misime
Fausta Musokwa, Project Manager at IMS Tanzania, emphasized that the organization, through its donors, remains committed to supporting journalist safety and freedom in Tanzania. However, she urged media professionals to continue upholding ethical journalism standards.
Tanzania’s general elections, which will include the election of the President of the United Republic, the President of Zanzibar, Members of Parliament, House of Representatives members, and local councilors, are scheduled for October 29, 2025. Political campaigns are already underway.
