DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Daniel Mushi, has advocated for media and information censorship to safeguard national security.
The deputy permanent secretary made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the East African Communication Association (EACA) conference at the University of Dar es Salaam, which he attended on behalf of former President Dr Jakaya Kikwete.
Prof Mushi emphasised the need for accurate information to facilitate effective national development.
He praised the timing of the EACA conference, aligning it with global efforts toward sustainable development and environmental conservation, specifically the agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
He urged Tanzanian media to support government initiatives in promoting the blue economy.
“This conference is timely, as the world is now focusing on sustainable development,” Prof Mushi said.
He encouraged participants to engage actively and contribute valuable ideas for development.
Responding to Prof Mushi’s call for censorship, Liam Lee, a PhD candidate from Communication University of China, stressed the importance of balancing national security with free speech.
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He cautioned that censorship should be implemented carefully to avoid infringing on human rights, especially the right to free expression.
“Free speech is a fundamental right. Censorship must be handled with care to prevent potential harm,” Lee noted.
The EACA conference, themed “Africa and the Global Dialogue on Media and Communication,” will address various topics, including media literacy, digital innovations, gender issues and the future of journalism.
The event has attracted 300 participants from over 20 countries, including African, European and Asian nations.
Henry Kibira, a lecturer from Aga Khan University in Kenya, praised Tanzania’s investment in educational infrastructure and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with Kiswahili.
“In Kenya, we are grateful for the chance to converse in Kiswahili when we visit Tanzania,” Kibira said.