IN SHORT: A viral graphic falsely claims that the Tanzania Editors Forum has accused civil society organisations of discriminatory practices. But both Tef and Watetezi TV, whose logo appears in the graphic supposedly reporting this, have dismissed it as fake news.
A graphic circulating on Facebook claims that the Tanzania Editors Forum (Tef) issued a statement on 6 December 2024 condemning discriminatory practices by civil society organisations, in particular the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC).
Tef is a Tanzanian media watchdog made up of volunteer editors, media executives, senior journalists and journalism trainers. Tef's mission is to defend freedom of expression and promote quality and sustainability.
The graphic features Tef's alleged statement, an image of Tef chairperson Deudatus Balile, and the logo and branding of Watetezi TV.
The graphic reads, in Kiswahili: “TEF WALAANI VITENDO VYA KIBAGUZI KATIKA UTEKELEZAJI WA HAKI ZA BINADAMU KWA BAADHI YA MASHIRIKA YA KIJAMII WAKIMWEMO LHRC NA THRDC.”
This translates as: “TEF condemns discriminatory practices in the implementation of human rights by some civil society organizations, including LHRC and THRDC.”
The statement highlights concerns about perceived bias and unequal treatment in the implementation of human rights initiatives.
Tanzania currently faces significant human rights concerns, particularly in relation to its political environment. Recent reports highlighted a crackdown on opposition members, arbitrary arrests and the repression of free speech ahead of the local elections held in late 2024.
Opposition supporters, particularly those of the main opposition party Chadema, have been abducted, detained and, in some cases, extrajudicially killed. Restrictions on social media and bans on independent media have further curtailed freedoms.
The situation has drawn criticism from international human rights organisations, which have urged the Tanzanian government to respect civil liberties, ensure accountability for abuses, and create an environment conducive to democracy.
This graphic appears here and here. (Note: See more instances at the end of this report.)
No other credible news outlet has reported on this statement from Tef. So, did Watetezi TV really publish this graphic? We checked.
Ignore fake graphic
Such a statement would have been widely reported, as human rights abuses are widely covered by the Tanzanian media. The fact that such a statement does not appear in any other reputable news outlet is a red flag that it may be fake.
In addition, Watetezi TV is a non-profit online television under the THRDC. It is therefore unlikely that it would have published this graphic.
On 6 December, Watetezi TV dismissed this graphic as “fake news”.
“Habari hii haina ukweli wowote na haijachapishwa na kituo chetu cha Watetezi tv. Tunakemea upotoshaji wowote unaofanywa kwa nia ya kuichonganisha taasisi yetu na taasisi nyingine, watu au viongozi,” Watetezi TV wrote on Facebook.
This translates as: “This information is completely false and has not been published by our station, Watetezi TV. We condemn any form of misinformation intended to create conflict between our institution and other organisations, individuals, or leaders.”
Tef also flagged the graphic and statement as “fake” on their official X account.
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