Larry On Why He Didnt Cover Tanzania Elections
CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has revealed that he is not covering Tanzania’s 2025 general elections because of what he described as strict restrictions on foreign and independent journalists operating in the country.
In a video shared on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Madowo explained that Tanzania’s laws make it extremely difficult for international journalists to freely report on political events. He noted that the government requires all foreign correspondents to obtain special media accreditation before conducting any reporting within Tanzanian borders — a process that he said is often slow, opaque, and rarely successful.
“Why am I not covering the elections in Tanzania? It’s a simple reason — Tanzania does not like independent, critical reporting,” Madowo said in the video.
The seasoned journalist, who has covered major political and social events across Africa and beyond, added that Tanzania’s media environment remains restrictive, even after the era of former President John Magufuli, whose administration was widely criticized for limiting press freedom.
“To operate in the country as a foreigner, I need media accreditation — essentially permission from the government — and historically, Tanzania does not issue these permits,” he explained.
Madowo emphasized that the situation has not significantly improved under the current administration, saying that independent voices still face barriers that hinder transparency and free reporting. According to him, the continued restrictions undermine efforts to ensure that Tanzanians and the international community receive accurate and unbiased coverage of the country’s democratic processes.
Press freedom groups have repeatedly raised similar concerns about the state of media in Tanzania. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have previously urged the government to ease restrictions and allow both local and foreign journalists to operate without fear of censorship or harassment.
Madowo’s remarks have reignited conversations about freedom of the press in East Africa, particularly during sensitive political moments like national elections. Many of his followers online have commended him for speaking openly about the challenges facing journalists who strive to report the truth in difficult environments.
As Tanzania heads to the polls, the absence of international correspondents like Larry Madowo highlights the ongoing struggle for media freedom and the need for greater openness in the country’s democratic landscape.
Larry On Why He Didnt Cover Tanzania Elections
