IGP pledges protection for journalists, patriotism
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, has assured journalists of the Police Force’s full commitment to their safety as the nation approaches the 2025 General Election.
At the same time, he called for a renewed partnership between the police and media, based on trust, professionalism and responsibility.
The remarks were made during the National Multi Stakeholder Dialogue on Journalist Safety and Security, held at the UN House in Dar es Salaam.
The event was convened by the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), UNESCO and the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC).
Officiating the event, IGP Wambura stressed that the Police Force is prepared and determined to ensure journalists work freely and securely, particularly during the election period.
“The Police Force will remain vigilant at all times to detect, prevent and respond swiftly to threats against journalists. We are committed to ensuring that journalists perform their duties in a safe, friendly and conducive environment,” IGP Wambura declared. He reminded participants that safeguarding journalists is a constitutional obligation.
Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977) guarantees freedom of expression and access to information. He stressed that police officers, as enforcers of the law, must also act as enablers of rights by providing a secure environment where citizens, including journalists, can exercise their freedoms.
The IGP issued clear directives for police officers nationwide regarding their work with the media.
These include upholding the law and protecting freedom of expression and access to information and ensuring a safe working environment for journalists at all times, with special vigilance during elections.
Others include maintaining continuous engagement with journalists to resolve challenges and build trust, preventing and swiftly addressing threats, particularly during political rallies, demonstrations and election coverage, collaborating with the media in accordance with laws, regulations and international standards and encouraging media owners to provide protective gear, insurance and regular safety training for their staff. IGP Wambura emphasised that safety is a shared responsibility.
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“Safety begins with each one of us,” he said, appealing to both journalists and law enforcement to foster a peaceful working environment.
“Safeguarding democracy means safeguarding journalists,” added IGP Wambura.
“But this is only complete when safety is matched with professionalism. That is the balance we must all uphold.”
UNESCO Country Representative, Michel Toto welcomed the Police Force’s commitment but stressed that journalist safety must be coupled with professionalism and ethics.
He warned that protection alone cannot sustain democracy if journalists fail to uphold their responsibilities.
UNESCO urged journalists to adopt risk awareness, gender-sensitive approaches and ethical reporting standards.
Particular attention was given to the vulnerabilities of women journalists, who often face online harassment and gender-based threats, requiring both institutional protection and professional resilience.
UTPC Executive Director Kenneth Simbaya reinforced the need for balance, stressing that journalist safety is inseparable from professionalism.
He noted that while police guarantees are vital, journalists and media owners must also fulfil their roles.
The dialogue brought together over 100 stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, civil society and media representatives.
Participants agreed that Tanzania’s democracy can only thrive if safety and professionalism go hand in hand, with police providing protection, journalists exercising responsibility and media houses strengthening internal safety measures.
