"As Long as I Am Quiet, I Am Safe"

Book excerpt: Since President John Magufuli came to power in 2015, the space for media, the opposition, and civil society to conduct activities in Tanzania has shrunk dramatically. The government has passed new legislation and enforced existing laws that repress independent reporting and restrict the work of media, civil society organizations and political opposition groups. The government has also cracked down on individuals and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that are critical of government policy. The growing restrictions on speech and association are particularly worrisome as elections, scheduled for 2020, approach.This report documents how authorities have stepped up censorship of the media and arbitrarily arrested and, in some cases, prosecuted journalists and activists perceived to be government critics. They have also exerted tighter control over NGOs and political opposition parties. The repression has effectively silenced critics and activists. The report calls on the Tanzanian government to take steps to protect the rights of freedom of expression and association, particularly ahead of elections, including by refraining from public rhetoric hostile to human rights issues; urgently reversing the pattern of repression and taking measures to stop the arbitrary arrest and harassment of journalists, NGO representatives and other activists, and political opposition members; and reforming repressive laws.