The Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr. Kiseo Yusuph Nzowa, welcomed Swedish Ambassador Her Excellence Charlotta Ozaki during her visit to the Kilimanjaro Regional Press Club.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Nzowa shared that upon his arrival in Moshi, he was eager to understand the relationship between the regional government and the journalists. He expressed his satisfaction with the positive rapport and commended the journalists for maintaining it, urging that these good relations be sustained.
Mr. Nzowa also highlighted the importance of providing training for journalists in the Kilimanjaro region to enhance their professionalism and distinguish skilled journalists from those less experienced.
Ambassador Ozaki thanked Mr. Nzowa for the warm welcome and explained that a key objective of her visit was to observe the activities of the Press Clubs and their journalists. She emphasized that freedom of expression is a critical area supported by the Swedish Embassy to improve press freedom.
Additionally, the Swedish government is supporting various other projects in Tanzania, including initiatives like Clean Cooking, EP4R, TASSAF to mention the few.
Ambassador Charlotta will visit other two Press Clubs of Arusha and Manyara.
Following her visit to the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s office, Ambassador Charlotta Ozaki visited the Media Club of Kilimanjaro (MECKI). She met with Press Club leaders and members, who briefed her on MECKI’s regional activities. The Ambassador learned that MECKI works closely with regional government officials and participates in events like World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), promoting freedom of expression and press freedom.
Ambassador Ozaki was interested in understanding the benefits MECKI members receive. It was noted that members gain professional journalism training and safety support. She also inquired about journalists’ livelihoods and learned that many are not formally employed, relying instead on transportation fares provided by news sources.
The Ambassador wanted to know the media’s role in the upcoming Tanzanian elections, questioning whether journalists face pressure and lean toward specific sides or report professionally. It was explained that election coverage often reflects the policies of individual media outlets.
Journalists expressed appreciation for President Samia’s support, which has improved their ability to report freely compared to previous periods marked by threats and intimidation.
The Ambassador also asked about challenges faced by female journalists. It was reported that sexual harassment is a significant issue for women journalists in Kilimanjaro.
Journalists were curious about Sweden’s approach to press freedom. The Ambassador explained that Sweden upholds freedom of expression as a constitutional right and has strong organizations dedicated to supporting media freedom and expression.
