Tanzania: Everyone is scared
In an unprecedented move, leaders from all sectors of society are speaking out about growing assaults on freedoms and political violence.
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Credit: Hendri Lombard/World Bank.
On 16 February, Akwinlina Akwiline was on her way to university in Dar es Salaam. She was reportedly heading to the National Institute of Transport, where she was a student, in order to hand in a letter that would allow her to shortly begin her field work. She boarded a bus.
Akwiline, however, never made it to her destination. The 22-year-old student was killed after being hit by a bullet fired by police officers attempting to disperse an opposition rally.
The news of Akwiline’s death was far from the first politically-related tragedy that Tanzanians have endured in recent months. In September 2017, for example, the senior opposition lawmaker and government critic Tundu Lissu only narrowly survived after being shot several times in Dodoma. Meanwhile, just days before Akwiline’s killing, opposition official Daniel John had been found dead with machete wounds in Dar es Salaam.
In a manner unlike after those incidents, however, the death of the innocent student seemed to galvanise public opinion. A wide variety of organisations expressed their frustration at the situation in Tanzania in a rare show of outspokenness.
On 21 February, for example, 108 Tanzanian civil society organisations co-signed an open letter. In it, they mourned Akwiline’s death before complaining of an “unprecedented” broader assault on the rule of law and security in Tanzania. They listed “armed attacks, atrocious killings, injuries, enforced disappearance, brutality, arrests, malicious prosecutions targeting human rights defenders (HRDs), journalists, politicians and even normal civilians”.
Two days later, the European Union Charge D’Affairs issued a similar statement. It listed recent instances of violence and intimidation, and declared: “We note with concern the recent developments which threaten democratic values and the rights of Tanzanians in a country which is widely respected in the world for its stability, peacefulness and freedoms.”
That same day, a cross section of religious organisations in Mwanza also publicly lamented the recent killings and attacks. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference’s 36 bishops had earlier raised their concerns too. The Mwanza leaders spoke of the disappearance of investigative reporter Azory Gwanda last year and called on the government to intervene, saying: “It is important for our leaders to condemn and take action against such incidents because they are against religious teaching and violates the basic human rights”.
Tanzania’s expressions of dismay were particularly notable for being so diverse and widespread. They came from a genuine cross section of organisations, including the rural, pastoral, religious, economic and student. This is a first for Tanzania.
However, any hope that the situation would change immediately following these desperate appeals was quickly disappointed.
Barely two days later, news broke that Godfrey Luena, an opposition politician in Morogoro, had been killed outside his home by assailants with machetes. According to members of his party, Chadema, the young and popular Luena had recently been pushing back against alleged land grabs in his area.
Earlier this week, a court sentenced two opposition leaders to five months in prison for insulting President John Magufuli. On Wednesday, authorities banned thirteen songs deemed to be breaching “cultural norms”; several had lyrics that were critical of the government.
“Our deaths or arrests are never recorded”
The various statements released in the past week or so detail worrying trends and list some specific incidents. However, according to some observers, the releases offer only a glimpse into the reality. This is because, they say, most political deaths go unrecorded, particularly in rural or isolated communities where even mobile phone networks are non-existent.
For example, several individuals have spoken of a recent violent incident in Rufiji, eastern Tanzania, that went unreported. Residents were demonstrating outside local government offices when they say they were confronted with deadly force.
“They alleged they were attacked by the police then later the army,” says one source on condition of anonymity. “Local witnesses say over 40 were killed. There’s no way of knowing. Their deaths were not recorded and the bodies thrown in the sea.”
Another rural-based director who co-signed the letter by civil society organisations described other alleged abuses that go under the radar.
“The government and army forces act with impunity,” says the community leader. “They come into our villages with Fuso lorries, beat our children, steal our cattle, and kill our people. These are never recorded in local media. We are far away from the capital. We don’t have important contacts. We are pastoralists. We don’t matter. Our deaths or arrests are never recorded by coroners.”
Finally, the head of an NGO affiliated with a large international charity also told African Arguments about how many government abuses in Tanzania go untold.
“Tanzania has been famous for not using live bullets or tear gas or being violent…but that’s completely changed,” they say. “The space for critique and discussion has now shrunk…It’s just common knowledge that police and army will use violence and are not accountable…and we’re not able to publish reports which clearly state this.”
“A fugitive in my own country”
These worrying trends can be seen as part of a broader shift in Tanzania. Under President Magufuli, the country is moving away from traditional donors and democratic openness. It is moving towards resource nationalism, demands to “employ local“, and is relying more on partners such as China, which demand fewer conditions or none at all.
These changes, along with Magufuli’s robust approach to governance and anti-corruption drive, have brought certain benefits. Tax revenues have increased since he came to office in 2015, for example, while there have been visible improvements to roads, sewage systems and municipal services.
However, at the same time, the country’s reputation for relative press freedoms, democratic discourse and stability has been severely undermined. Many people are afraid to speak out, while researchers and journalists’ jobs have been made much harder. In fact, elements of this article may be illegal under Tanzania’s Statistics Act because the information has not been authorised by a government agency.
This sense of fear and weariness is growing across all levels of society. Investor confidence has also plummeted, while local and international businesses are reportedly complaining behind closed doors.
As the operator of one major haulage commented: “Before, we knew which dog was barking. Now, we wake up in the morning and literally don’t know what’s coming next. I run a million-shilling business, yet I feel like a fugitive in my own country”.
President Magufuli has severely tightened his grip on Tanzania in attempting to deliver what may be a popular agenda. However, as the death of Akwiline and the widespread expressions of criticism have shown, Tanzanians are not willing to pay any price for this vision. Magafuli will be listening and will need to be reflect and reconsider.
The author, a journalist based in Tanzania, wished to remain anonymous.
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Magufuli must go. He is brutal,the police are ruthless and army is owning the country. Tanzania is for Tanzanians not the authorities which represents the people.
President Magufuli is here to stay and accomplish his promised economic and social reforms.
Yes our beautiful motherland Tanzania is for Tanzanians, we the people of Tanzania decided through ballot boxes that JPM leads us and come 2020 we shall decide through the same process. No any foreign media, individual person or international agency has that right. And no matter how far or high our challenges are being propagated we will always unfold them domestically and very successful as we overcame many others through the past.
comrades accounts in this article if accurate show leadership that is despicable, oppressive plus most likely corrupt beyond belief being corruption plus oppression are like a loving married couple which is always together either by spirit or physically .
Magufuli demonstrate outdated mentality that eventually leads to its holder destruction but my concern is well being of Buntu people of Tanzania not some stupid jerk whose a neanderthal in a leadership position.
May conditions soon improve but, in all honesty are unlikely as long as oppressor lead Tanzania. He who lead his people by oppression is not worthy leader.
Very much sincere,
Henry Author (people of books) Price Jr. aka Obediah Buntu IL-Khan aka Kankan aka Gue.
She was study at NIT (National Institute of Transportation) and she was on her way to Bagamoyo to hand in a field letter. Just to make a record straight
What a rubbish story… To start with, one Mp has been jailed and not two…
To make a long stiry short.. Cone 2020 we will vite Magufuli Back.
….
Message
Tanzania needs to catchup with the 50 years of independence wasted in experiments invented in the west like the UN Development Decade(s), Structural Adjustment Programs (World Bank), Millenium Development Goals and Western Democracy as prescribed by the west to mention a few and be allowed to be innovative in its development agenda. Western democracy is not a panacea to our devlopment as it has proved. And no country in the world transformed from a poor and aggrarian economy without an adaptation of western democracy. In my view western democracy remaains an ideal for all human societies but not a first step for all countries at different stages of development. To all well wishers of Tanzania you should let us be innovative in our approach to our development in this world with ruthless systemic systems of stealing from poor countries. Simply stated leave Tanzania alone
Am not scared and am free to move every part of my county. Am not scared at all stop laying.
Mwandishi ni kama rose visosa
As much as the current regime is good, it has as much failed us in some ways. Yes, corruption, beurocracy, embezzlement, money laundering etc is to some extent taken care of…but amid the process we (or I in particular) have seen biaseness, cruelty, ruthlessness, loss of life, lack of accountability, misuse of public office, to name but a few. The Messiah i saw in Magufuli is no longer there…
Those who commend Magufuli for anything that he is doing to Tanzania, should revisit history and remind themselves of Uganda’s Idi Amin and his “economic war.” Albeit cruel, surprisingly, he also had cheer leaders. Unfortunately, Magufuli is taking a similar route. He is taking Tanzania to the dogs. He must be told to either stop or change. Otherwise, for the better of his country and Africa, he must go!
This is a Western tactic to destabilize Tz. While we mourn those who died, there is NO PROOF the Mogufuli government were behind them. We must study hostory to see this repetative western cycle of causing internal conflict! The author isn’t Tanzanian!!!! He is an operative sent to destroy Tanzania
Magufuli he’s the best presidents
AHMAD MBARAKA, really? how stupid are you? Killing innocent people is not reforming. I believe you are narrow minded like the rest of them. Sometimes exposure helps.
External comments are always smelling Imperative Colonialism.Socioeconomic reforms which are now being taken by Magufuli especially in the mining secto,critical in arguments,standing firm for making true base of our beloved nation to denounce dependency on the foreign aids.
How many times countries like the USA RUSIA CHINA BRITAIN and many others violet Democracy and the rule of law yet no one raises an eye against them.Leave our Tanzania and Magufuli for us.We will suck off all the puppets of the whites from our country.Yuor stupid thinking must be for ur own fellows and never for Tanzania.
Magufuli is our hero, we’ve been stagnated by the Western policies that keep revolving on the same point or to the direction of their choice which in my opinion is “Poverty Circles”. Tanzania is for Tanzanians
I’m really concerned about the future of my fellow countrymen. People disappear in the thin air. People are brutally killed. My country Tanzania is eating its own people. We have the police. We have the Tanzania people’s defence forces. We have Usalama wa taifa. If Tanzanian can disappear and those state machinery can never find out the whereabouts of those people disappeared, THERE’S THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT TO DISAPPEAR and nobody knows!!!
The tittle of the article, “In an unprecedented move, leaders from all sectors of society are speaking out about growing assaults on freedoms and political violence.” is an exaggeration of epic proportions that has no bearing to the truth whatsoever; Just shut up and leave Tanzanians alone! We know for a fact that what Magufuli is doing at this point and time, won’t necessarily benefit our generation, but our kids and grand kids will rip the fruits of our sweat and blood shed! If there is some stupid individual out there who thinks a mother can give birth to a beautiful child without shedding blood, he/she surely is delusional and paranoid!
I hate mercenaries who are at work to exploit African countries. They are after Tanzania to achieve their secret agenda. Tanzanians should not allow these evil mercenaries to succeed. We are proud to have a fantastic leader who is steering our country towards just and righteous ways. We have witnessed what he has achieved in a short time. I say DOWN with these enemies of our country and their propaganda!
tanzania is no difference with kenya or uganda where opposition are opprssed to the maximum . but these three presidents should learn from ethiopia zimbambwe . south africa .egypt libya .ubepari utafika mwisho.
Well,the problem with most of we Tanzanians,is ” We are very good in criticizing,rather than accepting what we are told by people whom we entrusted with power.People,especially political leaders should learn how to accept and understand who can do what in the country,basing on hierachy.I see,my country is still a habour of peace,if all people will understand the importance of working,and acting fairly….
Who attempted to assassinate Tundu Lissu? Any report so far?
It was only a matter of time before the ruling party becomes too powerful, confident, complacent and cocky before things like these start to happen. Frankly, I’m not surprised. For generations we saw our neighbours kill each other and we thought we were immune to bloodshed. Well it looks like our time has finally arrived.
#Wedeserveeverythingthat’scomingtous#2020forjpm!!!
If you are the further, you may have the child…. when they misbehave sometimes they learn from others arounds. And I’m not sure if yu’ll told them to do so. One challenge is… You will assigned to resign be a further? Don’t punish leaders for the mistakes of his workers….
He is a PRESIDENT OF UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA…… JPM.
You only talk of the opposition killings
Why dont you talk of the other side
In kibiti several rulling party leaders where killed(about 20) in only one place
But you only talk of the one or two incidents in your calliber
Most tanzanians love magufuli
This is a killing presedent ever, adapting kagame style
Magufuli was not elected the President of Tanzania so that he would preside of the looting of country’s resoucees. Western People if at all wanted to help Africa they could , unfortunately they didnt and would not any time in near future . US and West did not finance the Uhuru Railway in the same way they are not helping us In new SGR. Bigotry and hypocrites. Only fools can be colonized in a sweet name of Democracy and Human Rights.
Scores of people were killed in Rufiji triangle and nobody said anything . But a students death is an issue proportional to world standards news. The UN charter believes in the rights of all human beings. Why the inclusion of China in your article . It is only beacause you are not happy when China is truely helping US. The years of fixing your shoes strings are gone. The foundation stone laid to This Beautiful country will never be shaken. At least when you assist those known corrupt figures in the opposition you should do it silently
JPM is our father.
God bless our President.
God Bless Our government of The URT.
God Bless Tanzania.
God Bless Africa.
In God we Trust.
We asked God for a leader,here he is.Lets support him rather than giving critical analysis like this.
It discourages the Man and we can end up regretting.
He is not corrupt and he cares for the majority population.Lets pray for him and his government to win, it will be the Country’s glory not him and his government only.Some of accidents like this happens.And those who are chaotic should face what they deserve, our country ‘s peace harmony and unity is more important than these western propagandas coming by face of democracy.
Mungu Ibariki Afrika,Mungu ibariki Tanzania.
Johnson Minja.
U can say it again lavy they only talk about opposition how many police officer killed last two years no body talk about it ,kibiti as u say.
If you don’t have permission of demonstrations from police and you force to do so u want police to join you and demostrate with you.
Those opposition leaders their the one to be blamed not our president leave magufuli alone.
He is their because we want him to be their
Advance opposition leader to appreciate what he does and let them understand he has a good heart and tell mbowe to stop the killings s not going to help him
Kibiti!!!! people with simple brain they always asked what about kibiti, those who destroy peace , and eat and foot of those killing others. Stop rubbish, stop killing we are all Tanzanian.
One day we will have now where to run.
EVERYONE IS SCARED IN TANZANIA?
This is the most sensationally one-sided piece of writing I have read this year and it is designed, perhaps, to justify the unjustifiable speech of Mr. Freeman Mbowe’ which called for the plunging of Tanzania into a civil war; and he went as far as to ask for “100 to 200” people to be sacrificed in the process. He then proceeded to lead an illegal and absolutely unnecessary demonstration which resulted in Akwilina being the first victim of the 100 – 200 he had asked for the previous day!!! This is the most irresponsible speech ever given by a leader of national stature in our country’s history. The crucial question here is: “Was he instructed to make that speech and by whom, as it’s very un-Tanzanian.
Let us put this whole question into a proper perspective. Before the unfortunate death of Akwilina and Daniel John, there have been a series of murders in Kibiti and all the victims were from one political party the CCM; yet, no voice of condemnation or concern came from any of the organizations listed above as to have raised concerns in the CHADEMA episode: – the European Union, Religious bodies or civil society. Even the United Nations and the American embassy in Dar Es Salaam also raised their concerns. Why?
Why is there such an outpouring of concerns from all over the world when CHADEMA is the victim and not CCM?
This is even more startling when we consider that in the United States about 30,000 people kill each other annually, some of these murders being perpetuated by the police. In fact on average two black men a week are killed in the United States of America. Yet, there is no such concerns over there. Why? As a matter of fact some observers are wondering whether Mr. Mbowe could be an asset of external entities and that is why they are quick to cover him up with these artificial concerns?
Why are outside elements are quick to point a finger at the Government, when the possibility of these killings being the work of agent provocateurs cannot be ruled out? The police force for instance contain CHADEMA card carrying members who are liable to be sympathetic to its cause. And after Mr. Mbowe’s call to arms that is even more plausible. They could have misguidedly believed that after Mr Mbowe’s seditious speech the slightest spark would start their wanted civil war.
The truth of the matter is: with President Magufuli’s single – minded determination to protect our natural resource, smash corruption as well as the provision of the essential goods and services to the people, what made the Opposition an attractive proposition is wearing thin fast. And the possibility of them being wiped out come 2020 is a real one. The more they try to discredit Magufuli when he is doing the right thing for the country, the more they make themselves look less relevant to the people, hence the on-going hemorrhage of members from the Opposition camp to CCM. In essence the Opposition in Tanzania is shooting itself in the foot.
My candid advice to the Opposition Parties in Tanzania is not to give up. Politics is always a long-term venture. For example, India’s National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 and came to power in 1947; while the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa was formed in 1912 and came to power in 1994. In politics patience is the name of the game. There is no need, whatsoever, for CHADEMA or any other Party to call for a civil war.
For the sake of any particular person to be President, it’s not worth the life of a single person.
This is the most honest statement ever written Mr. Harid Mkali, EVERYONE IS SCARED unless you are benefiting from the on going oppression. You are a narrow minded disgrace but sadly not special a certain percentage of educated africans use there knowledge not to empower there countries but rather to exploit them. That is why we have ended up with leaders who are ungrateful and useless. I am not for any party currently because all of them have been highly mishandled. They have forgotten there duty as leaders which is to serve the citizens who put you in power and not to be served by them. That being said all these parties have a right to exist and provide the very much needed cheques and balances the torture, kidnap and imprisonment political figures and citizens must stop. Your advise is biased and its not about waiting years to come into power but rather the oppression of the people, the refusal for a free and democratic Tanzania where freedom of expression has never been hampered. CCM needs to be held accountable you cannot kill, torture and kidnap citizens and justify it by saying opposition should not give up. In reference to Kibiti please dont misinform people the government was even covering up the killings that government being CCM so why cover up the death of your own people. Out pouring concern for the citizens you dimwit unlike CCM the rest of the world actually is alarmed by the actions of your “party “( we all know your just sheep being led to slaughter). Why are you attacking a party and Mr. Mbowe yet this is a matter of global and national concern regarding an innocent girl and continous actions of the oppression of the Tanzanian people, political parties, press sadly and even businesses the country is literally falling a part a civil war is the least of your concerns government salaries have not been paid people are starving in certain parts of Tanzania, patients are dying in hospitals doctors are over whelmed 50 patients for one doctor yet hundreds are sitting home unemployed. Foreign investors are being cheated out of their companies or forced to pay ridiculous sums of money. The countries only source of uncensored real information is no longer through the media rather other social outlets and you want to play victim. If as you claim the government is doing the right thing then why are we about to undergo inflation because once the change of currency occurs it creates profit for the government but devalues the currency. When religious leaders are attacked, churches and mosques are being demolished, private citizens homes are being demolished under pretex of government projects with no good reason or compensation at times no warning and you ask why the world is concerned. Civil war is your greatest fear yet Tanzanian opposition party members are being forced to join CCM or die then my dear we are already at war we are prisoners in our own country shame on you and your lies.
To me the matter is not how much good or bad magufuli runs the it’s about the life of these un armed people dying in our so called peaceful land killed with unknown people in the known country.
Mhh a democracy of Yes boss otherwise face the bullet.
Frankly speaking, we are seeing more basic progress now, that we have ever seen before in Tanzania. The process is anticipated to have some road bumps as, one, the corrupted folks are hurt, two, we, the people, had irresponsibly let the fraud spread to havoc for a few generations. We hope the government will adhere to human rights as it has surely no reason to worry about nation going to chaos because of a few who are pessimistic, irritated, or loud critic of the current government, because it has the support of the majority who see positive changes.
God bless Tanzania
As once The late Dear Nyerere said, these countries ,ie small one like Tanzania are very attractive to the US and Western predators similar to the attention accorded to an attractive scantly dressed young girl. Te US and West want it. The reason is the potentiality it carries to prosper. What happened to Acacia is like a clarion call to them . The sleeping giant is awakening.
Treating the death of a student and the so called party follower of CHADEMA in a magnitude displayed by the article at best shows how what The US and West had hoped to arrive at can be conversely reached through inciting and the so called human rights violations, and THE DOZENS OF STUDENTS WHO RECENTLY WERE GUNNED DOWN IN THE US DO NOT MATTER BUT THE DEATH OF TWO TANZANIANS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM. Tanzania is administered by people who know their country . This shear little test is a passing cloud . Days of free stealing ,corruption , looting , cronyism and tribal leanings are gone . To All traitors and puppets their rightfully place could be beyond six feet underground
The country is safe and stable,the author of this article has concluded that Police was the one who fired the bullet. Which is not yet conformed.To my knowledge,there were armed people who were exchanging gun with police….investigation is required to be certain as who was involved in murdering the student.
The other issue of Lissu is that,no one has proved the involvement of Police in this….some people reported to be family problem,other relashiship and other the struggle for power within his political party.Still investigation is important ….
European Union are in their agenda to revenge for what Magufuli instigate on EAC to postpone signing the trade cooperation…..
Just to conclude ….this is the western Media want to destabilize our economy and peace.
We Tanzanian are happy with our President and we are supporting him fully.
He is dealing perpendicular with all those who are stealing our wealth,those who are embazling our fund,be it American,be European,and so on….
Hapa Kazi Tu
As long as I see these people defending on magufuli are truly fooling themselves or maybe were promised to be given a certain position in but frankly speak the author wrote the truth about tz no matter what he is not in our country and IDD amin is back in different way as Rwanda we are not blind at that extent we are just afraid for our life that’s why we keep ourselves silence but BBC news and outside broadcasting has to speak about this because we have no freedom of speak anymore for better Tanzania the way he make our country it will brought us in regret to live one person who can command as he wish just single being never ever we have to work out
ANNONYMOUS @ 02.18 HOURS.
I am not going to dignify your clap-trap with a response.
This is our country, Our homeland.
Tanzania still remains the peaceful land in Africa, the political disturbances that are caused by a number of few oppositions for their own interests cannot reflect the need of Major citizens.
We need Magufuli More than ever before.
We have seen the Change in Public Servants, infrastructures, Drug dealers, Poachers, Respect as a Nation, we have seen a change in industrialization, agriculture, youth self determinant, we have seen him fighting corruption for the maximum.
We have seen him living what he preach, we need Magufuli more than ever before
God bless you my President Magufuli.
#Magufuliisheretostay
#Tunyooshebaba
Because the US and EU are your parents ,you can go on and complain for everything you feel aggrieved. And The US is warning you if you do not import used underwear and other
cloths from them you will be punished. Its very unfortunate that you surrender your mental ability and trust the same people who treat you as second people from shithole countries. Development has its price.
You have have caught with your pants down.
No relenting no going back .One big country was heard saying China is building useless buildings and roads which are going nowhere . What a shame. When the Britons left tarmac road in Dar was only up to Magomeni and less than five graduates.
Change can not come from The west or east , it will come from Tanzanians themselves.
Magufuli is giving you quite the right doses according to the economic prescriptions and not development through the short cuts which implies stealing, tribalism, corruptions and other rot etc. THE ANTICIPATED STATE CAPTURE USING MONEY AND TRIBALISM HAS NOT ONLY FAILED BUT IS DEAD.
Magufuli started with the right food but ending up with the wrong foot. Everyone including me Loved you when u started but now when yu turned to be very mnoko and brutal against fellow Tamzanians and Patronasing people
Lost interest in you even me I lost interest in you. Even your inner circle hates you. Every issue u initiated imcluding makinikia went quiet and we wonder if we can trust any more.
Oh Lord, spare me from a civil war in TZ. Spare me from what is happening in Syria. Spare me from what happened in Rwanda. Spare me from what happened in Germany during the WW2. Many people have resorted to political bickering instead of working to build our country TZ. Every time they wake up, they pick up their gadgets and do nothing but fault finding and that is what matters to them. The author has done nothing wrong to highlight our weaknesses but we, are to blame for exposing ourselves. We all know very well what loose talk can bring to country. And that the ‘keyboard’ is mightier than the ‘gun’. If we mess around with our keyboards (Pen), we will regret that we never used the same to preach PEACE and HARMONY but went on to plant the seeds of hate instead. I warn all of you who are bent on destabilizing TZ to STOP henceforth. That is so ordered.
Frankly speaking, this is entirely an internal matter for the United Republic of Tanzania- the Government and its forty odd million inhabitants. The outside observers and political commentators had better watch their step and not get on their “Moral High Ground”. Tanganyika mainland became independent on 9th December 1961, with late Dr J.K.Nyrere as first Prime Minister. 57 years post independence, the country has seen and gone through many changes- some good, some bad as well. I respectfully suggest that the outside powers and individuals should stop interfering into the internal matters of Tanzania and let the President, the government and people of Tanzania handle their internal affairs. We have witnessed the results of blatant interference into the internal affairs of Middle Eastern countries.
If Magufuli is innocent let him allow for the international investigations on preceeding killings of innovent people particularly who critises his leadership. We want a free investigation on this matter and from a neutral body. We want justice on these matter no matter how long will it take.
i) Kibiti killings ( dozens of peple killed)
ii) Tundu Lissu shooting
ii) Dessappering of people who critisized the president including Ben Saa Nane and score of journalist.
Why the president is shun away from inviting an independent investigation we all know the main suspect here.
Tanzania has international friends as well as enemies, I am old enough to have lived through the experiement of Ujamaa and many of the same aspirations of self-reliance and kujitegemea as dveloped by the late Mwalimu are coming through the narratives of many of the contributors. We have also moved on since then to public accountability, legitimacy derived from civil society and corporate ethics inscribed internationally in documents such as the Convention of Human Rights, the UN Rights of the Child and ICC protocols which do not permit unacceptable ethical or unlawful behaviour without appropriate sanctions. Ujamaa ni utu should be inscribed on every Tanzanian legislator’ s conscience; otherwise the utu will become utumwa
Looking in as an insider of stories that have made headlines like “Magufuli permanently bans pregnant girls from returning to school” no word on what happens to boy/man responsible versus “Magufuli Pardons Paedophiles” isnt fair and doesnt make sense. Does he have something against women? We know which countries have a tendency to oppress their women by now. So say a Paedophile molests a young girl and she happens to give birth, the man is arrested with a chance of pardon while the girls life completely comes to a halt thanks to a man in power with a loopsided vision who made this rules!. This man is seriously violating human rights. Dear Tanzanians, hope this opens your eyes to vote wisely next time.
More than a year later, is everyone still scared?
Does everyone include me? Certainly no. I doubt it includes the 100 or so Tanzania citizens in my neighbourhood. But somehow these unelected fallible individual called journalists are allowed to pretend they speak for all of us with no accountability whatsoever.
If this is kind of article is journalism, then Tanzania has every right to heavily regulate the work of journalists so that when they claim to speak for us, someone can verify hold them accountable.