CNN journalist Larry Madowo has revealed that he is unable to cover the ongoing elections in Tanzania due to restrictive media laws that make it difficult for foreign correspondents to operate freely in the country.
In a video, Madowo addressed questions from followers on why he was in Las Vegas instead of Tanzania, where a tightly contested general election has drawn international attention.
“Why am I not covering the election in Tanzania and the aftermath? And I’m all the way out here in Las Vegas,” Madowo said.
“The simple reason is that Tanzania does not like independent critical reporting. To operate in the country as a foreigner, I need media accreditation — essentially, permission from the government.”
Media Restrictions on Foreign Journalists
Madowo explained that Tanzania’s government has a long-standing history of denying accreditation to foreign journalists, a trend that has persisted across administrations.
“Historically, Tanzania does not issue these permits. It used to be a problem even under President Magufuli, and it has not gotten better under President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he noted.
Although Kenyan nationals can enter Tanzania without a visa, Madowo clarified that doing so as a tourist would not allow him to report legally.
“Could I go as a tourist because I don’t need a visa as a Kenyan? Yes. But I’m not allowed to report in that status. I would be in violation of the law. I could be arrested, deported or worse,” he said.
Challenges for Local Journalists
The CNN correspondent also highlighted the difficult environment Tanzanian journalists face, describing widespread harassment and intimidation.
“Even Tanzanian journalists find it hard to operate. They are harassed, they’re intimidated, they’re beaten up, they’re arrested, and sometimes they disappear,” Madowo lamented.
He added that even during the current election period, several local journalists remain unaccredited, while many foreign reporters who applied for media permits were either rejected or received no response from authorities.
Concerns Over Press Freedom
Madowo’s remarks echo ongoing concerns raised by international watchdogs about Tanzania’s shrinking space for press freedom as Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election bid has been marred by controversies with protests leading to internet shutdown
Media analysts argue that such conditions undermine transparency and accountability, especially during key democratic exercises such as national elections.
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