CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has said he is not covering Tanzania’s general elections due to what he described as restrictions on foreign and independent journalists operating in the country.
In a video shared on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Madowo explained that foreign journalists are required to obtain permission from the Tanzanian government before reporting within its borders.
He said, however, that such permits are rarely granted to international reporters.
“Why am I not covering the elections in Tanzania? It’s a simple reason — Tanzania does not like independent, critical reporting,” Madowo stated in the video.
The journalist added that the country’s media accreditation process poses challenges for foreign correspondents.
“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 said.
Madowo further claimed that the situation has remained largely unchanged since the tenure of the late President John Magufuli and has not significantly improved.
He noted that while Kenyan citizens can travel to Tanzania without a visa, they are still required to obtain accreditation to report legally.
“Could I go as a tourist because I don’t need a visa as a Kenyan? Yes. But I am not allowed to report in that status — that would violate the law,” Madowo said, adding that doing so could result in legal consequences such as arrest or deportation.
He also expressed concern for local journalists, saying that many face challenges when covering politically sensitive issues.
“Even Tanzanian journalists find it hard to operate. They are harassed, they are intimidated,” he said, without naming specific cases.
Madowo added that several of his international colleagues have also struggled to obtain media accreditation.
“I know many foreign reporters who applied for accreditation, but they were rejected or did not receive a response,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports of a tense electoral environment in Tanzania, with some international observers noting restrictions on press freedom and access to information.
Larry Madowo is among Kenya’s most prominent international journalists, recognised for his coverage of major political events.
He previously reported on Kenya’s 2022 General Election for CNN and has covered political and social developments across Africa, focusing on democracy, governance, and media freedom.
by JANET ONYANGO
