Tanzania to re-open shuttered media houses
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the re-opening of media houses that were shut during the term of her predecessor, the late John Magufuli.
ZIMBABWE / PROMOTING FREE EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Media freedom
Media freedom
Senior Zambian government official marches against attacks on journalists
A senior Zambian government official marched to the police headquarters in Lusaka demanding that law enforcement agents do more to protect journalists who are facing increased attacks and harassment.
Mozambique deports journalist in unclear circumstances
Mozambican authorities on 16 February 2021 deported British journalist Tom Bowker whom they accused of violating the country’s immigration laws.
Mliswa threatens to move motion for enactment of harsh media law
Independent Member of Parliament for Norton, Honourable Temba Mliswa on 11 February 2021 threatened to move a motion in parliament for the enactment of a harsh media law that imposes custodial sentences for unethical journalists.
MISA advocacy committee (Masvingo) engages police leadership
MISA Zimbabwe’s Advocacy Committee in Masvingo led by chairperson Passmore Kuzipa on 31 January 2021, held a meeting with Officer Commanding Masvingo Province who pledged to work with the media during and after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mutare police to prioritise journalists safety during lockdown
MISA Zimbabwe’s Mutare Advocacy Committee represented by chairperson Kenneth Matimaire recently held a meeting with police in the eastern border town of Mutare during which they discussed the safety of journalists during the current COVID-19 national lockdown.
Independent Complaints Commission crucial for journalists’ safety
MISA Zimbabwe welcomes the bold step taken by the legislature to put the 2013 constitutional provisions into effect by facilitating the establishment of the commission that will handle public complaints involving security forces.
Kwekwe police assure journalists
Police in Zimbabwe’s Midlands town of Kwekwe on assured journalists of their safety and security while conducting their lawful professional duties. This followed a meeting on 8 January 2021 between MISA Zimbabwe Kwekwe Advocacy Committee chairperson and the Officer Commanding Kwekwe District.
Safety and security of journalists during the COVID-19 Lockdown
MISA Zimbabwe has written a letter on 4 January 2021 to the Commissioner-General of Police, Mr Tandabantu Godwin Matanga appealing for the law enforcement services to ensure the safety and security of journalists, who in terms of the regulations are providers of essential services.
Freedom of expression environment deteriorates as Tanzania heads for elections
In the past 10 months, the Tanzanian government has suspended a number of media organisations from broadcasting or publishing, among them Clouds FM and Clouds TV, while the newspaper Tanzania Daima, has been indefinitely barred from publishing.