Larry Madowo Denies Claims of Tanzanian Smear Campaign
CNN journalist Larry Madowo on Sunday, December 7, dismissed claims that he is being funded to undermine Tanzania’s image, calling the allegations “baseless lies” amplified through AI-generated images.
Madowo Hits Back at “Sponsored” Smear Claims
Madowo took to social media to counter viral posts accusing him of working with unnamed “powerful forces” intent on destabilising Tanzania after the October 29 election.
“I haven’t been paid by anyone to tarnish anyone’s name. Bongo has failed to defend themselves against my report, so they’ve resorted to lies,” he wrote.
He added that critics were spreading insults instead of addressing the documentary’s findings. According to Madowo, AI images are now being used to fabricate meetings and associations meant to discredit him.
Backlash Grows After Post-Election Documentary
The journalist has faced mounting criticism in Tanzania following his explosive documentary on the post-poll crisis. The film highlighted allegations of mass graves, protester deaths, and police brutality—claims that sparked debate across the region.
Madowo earlier revealed that he was denied media accreditation during the election period, preventing him from reporting from inside Tanzania.
Support Turns to Skepticism
Initially, some Tanzanians praised his reporting, especially after President Samia Suluhu won the election virtually unopposed. But in recent weeks, online sentiment shifted after images surfaced appearing to show Madowo meeting activist Maria Sarungi, a vocal critic of Suluhu’s government.
U.S. Senate Pressures Tanzanian Government
Despite the criticism, Madowo has stood by his documentary, insisting that authorities have not addressed the issues raised.
Meanwhile, pressure on Dar es Salaam continues to build. The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has called for an independent probe into alleged human rights violations during the October 29 elections.
Tanzania Promises Inquiry
In response, the Tanzanian government announced plans to form a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the reported post-election violence and compile a detailed report.
