ACT Wazalendo has criticised the Government’s decision to suspend the publishing and distribution licence of MwanaHALISI newspaper for six months, calling for the decision to be reversed immediately.
The suspension took effect on August 19, 2026, with the Government citing alleged violations of professional standards, including accuracy, balance and verification of information.
In a statement, ACT Wazalendo said it recognised the obligation of media organisations to uphold professional standards, but argued that alleged breaches should be addressed through mechanisms that protect media freedom, due process and the public interest.
The party questioned the concentration of investigative and disciplinary powers in Government authorities, saying such powers could undermine principles of fairness and good governance.
“Freedom of information and the right to seek, provide and receive information are fundamental pillars of the Constitution, democracy and government accountability,” ACT Wazalendo said.
The party called for the repeal of provisions under the Media Services Act, 2016, and other laws that it says give broad powers to the Director of Information over media organisations.
ACT Wazalendo urged the Government to immediately lift the suspension and restore MwanaHALISI’s licence, arguing that the public should continue to have access to diverse sources of information.
The party also called on journalists, political parties, civil society organisations and other democracy advocates to push for an independent professional mechanism for handling complaints against media practitioners and organisations.
It said such a mechanism would allow complaints to be addressed professionally while safeguarding media freedom and the public’s right to information.
The opposition party further urged stakeholders to advocate for reforms to laws it considers restrictive of media freedom, saying a vibrant media is important for public debate and holding leaders and institutions accountable.
ACT Wazalendo said the suspension of a newspaper affects more than the media organisation itself because it can limit citizens’ access to information and their ability to scrutinise the actions of those in authority.
It argued that democratic governance requires tolerance of criticism and open public debate, rather than measures that could restrict legitimate scrutiny of public institutions.
“An injustice against one is an injustice against all,” the party said, urging stakeholders to unite in defending media freedom and democratic space in Tanzania.
