Tanzania faults BBC documentary as biased
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Government has criticised a documentary aired by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), rebutting it as one-sided, lacking credible supporting evidence and omitting important contextual information.
In a statement issued yesterday, Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, said the documentary, broadcast through the BBC Africa Eye programme, presents an unfair portrayal of Tanzania and could damage the country’s international reputation.
The government expressed dismay that the programme advances serious allegations without adequately reflecting its position or providing sufficient context on the issues covered.
According to the statement, the BBC failed to provide the government with a fair opportunity to respond during the production process, despite its willingness to cooperate.
It said two senior government officials, as well as the Speaker of Parliament, were reportedly not interviewed for the documentary, arguing that this fell short of internationally accepted standards of balanced journalism.
“The documentary presents a one-sided narrative, lacks credible supporting evidence, omits important contextual information and appears intended to tarnish Tanzania’s reputation in the international community,” the statement said.
The government further criticised the broadcaster for what it described as a recurring pattern of negative reporting on Tanzania.
“The BBC has continued its pattern of portraying Tanzania negatively by making serious allegations without providing the Government with an opportunity to respond, contrary to the principles of professional journalism,” the statement added.
The government said it had initiated a comprehensive review of both the documentary and the editorial processes behind its production.
“The Government of Tanzania views the documentary and its editorial direction with utmost seriousness and has initiated a comprehensive review of its content,” Mr Msigwa said.
It added that the outcome of the review would guide further action to safeguard the country’s interests.
“Upon completion of this review, the government will take appropriate measures to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, dignity and national security against attacks carried out through the media and social media platforms,” Mr Msigwa said in the statement.
He said the government would issue clarifications to address what it considers misinformation and deliberate incitement contained in the documentary.
Calling on citizens to remain vigilant, the government urged Tanzanians not to be misled by information intended to provoke public discord.
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“The government calls upon all Tanzanians to remain vigilant against attempts to provoke and mislead the public through the media and social media,” said the Chief Government Spokesperson.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding peace, national unity and solidarity while continuing to address the country’s political, economic and social challenges in pursuit of national development and the well-being of its citizens.
