The government has warned public information officers against leaking confidential state documents, saying those found responsible risk dismissal and criminal prosecution under Tanzanian laws.
Speaking during the opening of the 21st working session for government information, communication, protocol and public relations officers in Njombe on Thursday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, said recent incidents of leaked government documents were a growing concern.
Mr Msigwa, who also serves as the Chief Government Spokesperson, told officers that protecting state secrets was part of their professional responsibility and should go hand in hand with providing timely information to citizens and the media.
“We have started seeing signs of leakage of government secrets. Confidential documents follow clear procedures and are officially marked. Information officers should not be the source of such leaks,” he said.
He stressed that confidentiality should not be used as a reason for withholding public information or failing to perform official duties.
Mr Msigwa said the government had strengthened cyber security systems and technological monitoring, making it easier to identify individuals responsible for leaking sensitive information.
“If you leak government information, the punishment includes dismissal from work and criminal charges according to the laws of the country,” he said.
He also urged communication officers to pass the message to other public servants and maintain professionalism and ethics while handling official information.
The meeting in Njombe brought together government information, communication, protocol and public relations officers from different public institutions across the country.
