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Tanzanian representatives to the Pan African Parliament during a session
A Tanzanian representative to the Pan African Parliament has urged African leaders to uphold media freedom without jeopardizing other rights, liberties and responsibilities.
Eng. Hamad Masauni Yussuf said, “Media freedom is central to democracy, but journalists need to take into account the context they operate in and balance decisions against other rights, freedoms and responsibilities and most importantly, they must protect interest of our African nations and its people.”
Eng. Masauni, who represents Kikwajuni Constituency in the National Parliament, was making a contribution during a debate on Media Freedom in Africa held during the Second Ordinary Session of the PAP held in Midrand, South Africa, May 15, 2013.
He appealed to African governments to be more vigilant about the impact of too much freedom of information against sustainability of peace, security and stability on the continent, where literacy levels remain low.
He however warned government against using media regulation as a weapon to suppress democracy, human rights and equality among its people.
“Government must be open to constructive criticism from individuals and groups including religious leaders, academicians, politicians and take immediate steps at the right time to rectify the problems for betterment of our countries,” he said.
Citing the American examples of struggle for press freedom in 1765, independence, making of the country’s Constitution and its First Amendment, which made any speech or writings against the U.S. government unlawful, Eng. Masauni said, “It is about time now for Africans to stand together united against any imposed definition of media freedom by the West.”
“There is no question that this gradual introduction of press freedom which lasted for about 165 years has helped the United States to become the super power and world biggest economy of today.”
Eng. Masauni said the fast pace of media freedom in Africa being greater than the standard or levels of education and welfare of the people may have negative effects to future Africa's peace and stability.
He said that Africa should concentrate on economic development in order to solve the challenges including poverty, war, ignorance and disease.
“We can only achieve this if we are united as one, regardless of our religious background, tribes or colour,” he said calling on the African people to stay committed to the values of peace and religious tolerance.
“Africa is a multi-ethic, multi-religious and multi-racial continent, and this diversity can be a fertile breeding ground for intolerance. We should forcefully reject any attempt by anyone including media to lead Africa on the path to strife and anarchy,” said Eng. Masauni.
Tanzania has more than 400 newspapers, many of them published in the national language, Kiswahili. The country also has more than 10 TV stations, dozen radio stations, which have all come up in less than two decades.
Eng. Masauni was unhappy that most media houses in the country have retreated from their main function of informing the public, to serve political and economic interests and groups.
Eng. Masauni said the fast pace of media freedom in Africa being greater than the standard or levels of education and welfare of the people may have negative effects to future Africa's peace and stability.
He said that Africa should concentrate on economic development in order to solve the challenges including poverty, war, ignorance and disease.
“We can only achieve this if we are united as one, regardless of our religious background, tribes or colour,” he said calling on the African people to stay committed to the values of peace and religious tolerance.
“Africa is a multi-ethic, multi-religious and multi-racial continent, and this diversity can be a fertile breeding ground for intolerance. We should forcefully reject any attempt by anyone including media to lead Africa on the path to strife and anarchy,” said Eng. Masauni.
Tanzania has more than 400 newspapers, many of them published in the national language, Kiswahili. The country also has more than 10 TV stations, dozen radio stations, which have all come up in less than two decades.
Eng. Masauni was unhappy that most media houses in the country have retreated from their main function of informing the public, to serve political and economic interests and groups.
Eng. Masauni condemned western media especially CNN and BBC for portraying negative image of Africa continent to the world and called on African countries to improve their national media to be able to focus on reporting positively about Africa.
The Second Session of the Third Pan African Parliament was held from May 6 – 17, 2013. The Session was addressed by Ghana President H.E John Dramani Mahama, and Dr. Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson African Union Commission.
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