DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 6 -- IN a hall filled with anticipation at UNESCOs UN House, Tanzania took a bold step towards strengthening democracy by bringing together journalists, police, human rights defenders and development partners to openly confront one of the nations most pressing issues: The safety and security of journalists.

The National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Journalist Safety and Security, convened by the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) in partnership with UNESCO and Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), underscored a shared understanding that a free and safe press is not just a media concern, it is the backbone of democracy.

The highlight of the dialogue came when Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camiliu...