Tanzania Bans Radio Stations For Insulting Magufuli

Tanzania’s government has temporarily banned two FM radio stations for allegedly insulting President John Magufuli and inciting violence in the country.

Magic FM, based in Dar Es Salaam, and Radio Five, which broadcasts from Arusha, are to be investigated by the information ministry.

It comes a few weeks after the government banned the newspaper Mseto for publishing “false information” as tension rises ahead of countrywide rallies planned by the opposition for Thursday.

President Magufuli banned all rallies after he won power last year, but the opposition Chadema party says it plans to go ahead.

It wants to protest against new cybercrime laws it says infringes the freedom of expression, the sacking of public officials without due process and the ban on political activities.