CNN correspondent Larry Madowo’s investigative documentary into alleged killings linked to protests in Tanzania has received a 2026 Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
The award was presented during the 2026 NABJ Convention & Career Fair, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from August 12 to 16, recognising the documentary’s investigative journalism and reporting on the aftermath of Tanzania’s October 29, 2025, presidential election.
Taking to his social media, Madowo announced the recognition and thanked Tanzanians who shared their experiences and contributed to the investigation.
CNN correspondent Larry Madowo. Photo: Courtesy.
The CNN documentary, released on November 20, 2025, examined allegations of extrajudicial killings, mass graves and efforts to conceal the scale of deaths following post-election protests.
The investigation relied on on-the-ground reporting, witness accounts, forensic video analysis, geolocation techniques and satellite imagery to examine events in several parts of Tanzania.
CNN reported that police and unidentified armed groups allegedly used lethal force against unarmed civilians in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The investigation also challenged the Tanzanian government’s initial account that between 10 and 20 people had died during the unrest.
Among the evidence examined was video footage from Arusha showing the fatal shooting of civilians.
CNN’s forensic analysis concluded that the victims did not appear to pose an immediate threat at the time they were shot.
The investigation also examined footage from Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam that appeared to show large numbers of bodies inside morgue facilities.
CNN noted that it verified the material using timestamps, locations and metadata after the government’s Health Ministry questioned its authenticity.
Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies was also used to examine activity at Kondo Cemetery in Kunduchi. The imagery showed areas of recent ground disturbance that CNN said were consistent with reports of possible mass burials.
The Tanzanian government acknowledged the documentary and said it was reviewing and verifying its contents before issuing an official response.
