Larry Madowo Explains Why Isn’t Covering Tanzania Elections

CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has explained his notable absence from covering Tanzania’s ongoing general elections, citing the government’s systematic refusal to allow independent and critical foreign reporting.

In a video shared online on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Madowo stated bluntly that the core issue is the Tanzanian government’s aversion to scrutiny.

“Why am I not covering the elections in Tanzania? It is a simple reason, Tanzania does not like independent, critical reporting,” he said.

Strict Media Accreditation Requirements

Madowo detailed the bureaucratic and legal obstacles faced by foreign journalists. To operate in Tanzania, foreign reporters require media accreditation, which essentially means obtaining specific permission from the government—a permission that, historically, is rarely granted for sensitive coverage.

“To operate in the country as a foreigner, I need media accreditation, so essentially, permission from the government, and historically, Tanzania does not issue these permits,” he explained.

The CNN journalist noted that this restrictive environment was difficult even under the late President John Magufuli and has not improved under the current administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Risk of Arrest and Intimidation

Madowo acknowledged that while he could enter the country as a tourist without needing a visa as a Kenyan citizen, doing so would not grant him the legal right to report.

“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. I would violate the law,” Madowo stressed. “I could be arrested, deported, or worse. And we know what Tanzania does to people they don’t like.”

He added that many of his colleagues from other international media outlets have faced the same challenge, reporting that their applications for accreditation were either rejected or completely ignored.

The strict controls don’t stop at foreign press; Madowo also highlighted that local Tanzanian journalists face constant intimidation and harassment when covering sensitive issues, making independent reporting difficult for everyone.