Mwakyembe speaks out on Clouds report

Dar es Salaam. The newly appointed minister of Information, Culture and Sports, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, has asked to be given time for him to probe the raid of Clouds Media Group (CMG) studios by Dar es Salaam Commissioner Paul Makonda.

Speaking to reporters after he was sworn in yesterday, Dr Mwakyembe admitted that the incident had really happened, but he was yet to get a full report on the matter.

“The incident happened and we can’t ignore it at all. However, the only information that I have as of now about the matter is from newspapers, radios and TVs. Clouds is the complainant and they are the ones, who have provided details of the incident. I think that this is not sufficient for me to take any decision,” he said. On Friday, March 17, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner raided CMG studios accompanied by armed officers to force the station to air a video of his liking.

The Closed Circuit TV footage of the incident went viral on Sunday, showing the RC entering the media house premises in the company of armed officers. The act was condemned by human rights groups and press freedom campaigners, asking for the responsible authorities to take punitive action against the RC.