Tanzanian political activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has lauded CNN African Correspondent Larry Madowo for his groundbreaking documentary on the post-election unrest in Tanzania, which left numerous people dead and injured.
In a post on her official X account on Friday, November 22, 2025, Sarungi, a long-time critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, praised Madowo for shedding light on the untold stories following the country’s general elections.
“Much love and power to you, Omera @LarryMadowo. Jamani ni hivi, Wenje tutampeleka Kenya, na Larry tunamtangaza wa kwetu kutoka Rorya,” she wrote, expressing admiration for the Kenyan-born journalist and jokingly suggesting relocating him to Tanzania.
Sarungi emphasized that Madowo deserves recognition for his reporting, particularly given the nationwide communication blackout during the elections. “On a serious note – Larry has done a great service for the nation of #Tanzania and deserves all awards and accolades. Solidarity ndo maana ya #JumuiyaNiYetu,” she added.
The CNN documentary, which has since gone viral, drew from geolocated videos, audio recordings, and witness accounts to capture the scale of the unrest after President Samia was declared the winner with 98% of the votes on October 29, 2025. The elections were controversial, with several main opposition figures barred from running, sparking protests in multiple regions.
Despite nationwide internet restrictions that limited mobile data and social media access, Madowo’s reporting revealed critical details, including footage of crowded mortuaries and disturbed soil at Kondo cemetery, north of Dar es Salaam, where human rights groups suggest some protesters may have been buried.
Initially, government officials denied any casualties, but President Suluhu later acknowledged some deaths without providing specific figures. She also launched a commission to investigate the unrest and claimed some protesters may have been financially motivated.
Madowo’s coverage has been hailed as a significant journalistic achievement, offering transparency in a situation where information was largely suppressed.
