Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Police Force has pledged to ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly journalists, throughout the ongoing election period, while urging media professionals to operate within the law.
The commitment follows new statistics from the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), which reveal that between 2024 and 2025, a total of 28 incidents involving violations against 26 journalists were reported across 12 regions.
The violations include denial of access to information, threats to life, and arrests.
UTPC revealed the said figures on Friday, August 29, 2025, during the official opening of the National Dialogue on the Safety and Security of Journalists.
The event aimed to ensure a safe and open environment for journalists and media workers to perform their duties effectively, free from violence, intimidation, or harassment, while implementing targeted safety measures for women, men, and journalists with disabilities, thereby promoting peace, democracy, and sustainable development in Tanzania.
Speaking during the event, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura emphasised that the Tanzania Police Force was prepared to ensure security is maintained throughout the country.
“Tanzania is safe and secure. The Police Force would like to assure Tanzanians that peace and security will be maintained throughout the election process, even after the conclusion,” he said in his opening remarks.
On journalists’ safety, IGP Wambura said protecting media workers is the Police Force’s top priority, particularly during this critical election period.
“The safety of journalists is not just important, it is essential for democracy and the integrity of the electoral process. We urge all media practitioners to adhere to legal procedures and ethical standards while performing their duties, to avoid unnecessary risks or conflicts with security forces,” he insisted.
The law enforcement chief also called on media house owners to take greater responsibility for the safety and well-being of their staff.
He encouraged them to provide professional safety training and essential protective gear, such as jackets and helmets, especially for journalists covering high-risk or politically sensitive assignments.
“As the country enters a sensitive electoral period, collaboration between the media and security institutions is crucial. Journalists play a vital role in informing the public, and their safety must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” he added.
He noted that the Police Force has organised various dialogues with different community groups to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding conflict during and after the elections.
Responding to the police pledge, the UTPC welcomed the assurance but highlighted the ongoing challenges journalists face on the ground.
UTPC’s Victor Maleko presented updated figures on press freedom violations and urged media owners to do more in safeguarding their practitioners.
“We have recorded over 20 incidents in 2024 alone, involving threats, harassment, and arrests of journalists. We appreciate the Police Force’s collaboration in ensuring that affected journalists receive the necessary support. However, there is still a pressing need for media owners to establish safety mechanisms within their newsrooms,” he said.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including editors, journalists, security officials, and civil society representatives, to discuss challenges and strategies for ensuring safe and free reporting during the election period.
The event is expected to continue over the weekend, featuring breakout sessions on practical safety measures, legal protections, and reporting protocols for political events and other high-risk assignments.
Meanwhile, Police Force Spokesperson, David Misime, reminded journalists of their role in educating the public about civic responsibilities, not just focusing on demands for rights.
“I want to assure the public that the elections will be safe. Our officers have undergone scientific training on how to engage with the public and protect their rights,” he said.
