CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has hit back at the Tanzanian government after officials accused the network of bias in its recent investigative report, following the Tanzanian elections that saw President Samia Suluhu elected by over 97% of the votes cast.
Madowo insists that authorities have not refuted any factual detail presented in the exposé.
In a statement shared on X, Madowo said it has been a full week since CNN released its investigation into the alleged killings and human rights violations in Tanzania, yet the government has failed to address the substance of the report.
“The government has attacked CNN’s reporting in two separate press conferences but did not point out a single lie. They have still not responded to our question,” Madowo wrote.
Tanzanian Authorities Accuse CNN of Bias
Tanzanian officials labelled the investigation biased and claimed the government was not given an opportunity to respond.
However, Madowo countered this assertion, saying CNN made repeated attempts to reach the relevant authorities.
According to the journalist, requests for comment were sent to the government spokesperson, the Ministry of Health, the police, and other relevant agencies, but none responded.
Madowo also noted that officials have avoided discussing the alleged killings that occurred during the post-election unrest, choosing instead to highlight the destruction of property, including burned fuel stations, public transport, and private businesses.
“Authorities have refused to declare a death toll or even speak about the killings that happened in the country, focusing instead on the destruction,” he stated.
The investigation suggests that many of the alleged killings took place in the week following Tanzania’s election, a period marked by a nationwide internet shutdown and the imposition of a curfew.
Madowo reiterated that these circumstances have made accountability even more urgent, yet the government continues to avoid directly addressing what transpired.
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