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Larry Madowo mocks Tanzania’s claim of leading East Africa in press freedom
02nd February, 2026 04:58 PM
Larry Madowo has reacted to a statement in which the Tanzanian government defended its record on press freedom and abductions following a heated political period that was marred by controversy.
In the statement which was provided to an international media house, Tanzania claimed to lead East African countries in press freedom, adding that the government has never targeted critics or arrested anyone despite the controversy reported in the period preceding its General Election on October 29, 2025 and afterwards.
The East African nation also defended itself from claims of abductions and cracking down on dissent, claiming that the nation is a thriving democracy despite recent concerns.
“The government has never involved itself in abductions. The government has never looked for anyone who is a critic of the government,” the statement reads.
“Freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution. Under President Samia, civic space has been increased as she has allowed politicians and people to participate in rallies and political campaigns.”
Madowo reacts to claims by Suluhu’s government
Larry Madowo, who extensively covered the elections, including reported killings and abductions, laughed off the statement, picking a line to convey his disbelief.
“Tanzania now leads East African countries in press freedom,” Madowo stated on X on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The Cable News Network (CNN) African correspondent unearthed disturbing reports of police brutality, abductions and extrajudicial killings in a documentary that was aired by the international media house.
Samia won her second term in office in an election that was marred by controversy, which was also boycotted by leading opposition figures.
Arrest of leading politicians preceded the poll, with leading opposition figures also disqualified from the exercise, which the opposition maintains was a sham.
Suluhu’s controversial victory
Violence rocked the country with claims of abductions and extra-judicial killing surfacing, corroborated by witness accounts, videos, and people who have actual records of people who went missing during the period.
The government also shut down the internet and heavily controlled information, with leading newspapers, The Citizen, Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti newspapers having their online licenses suspended for 30 days during the period.
Scores of youth were also arrested, with President Samia Suluhu later ordering charges to against them to be dropped.
“Sambamba na mambo mengine, katika hotuba yangu ya kulifungua Bunge la 13 la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, nimevielekeza vyombo vya sheria hasa Ofisi Mkurugenzi wa Mashtaka (DPP), kuwafutia makosa vijana na watoto wetu ambao kwa kutokujua, walifanya makosa kwa kufuata mkumbo Oktoba 29 mwaka huu. Nikiwa Mama na Mlezi, ninawasihi vijana wote kuendelea kulinda amani na mshikamano wa nchi yetu, na hata siku moja msikubali kushawishiwa kuichoma nchi yenu wenyewe,” Suluhu stated.
Loosely translated as;
“Alongside other matters, in my speech opening the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, I have directed the law enforcement authorities, especially the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to drop charges against our youths and children who, out of ignorance, committed mistakes by following the movement on October 29 this year. As a mother and guardian, I urge all young people to continue safeguarding the peace and unity of our country, and never allow yourselves to be persuaded to destroy your own nation.”
