Barrick: The Launch of Twiga Minerals Heralds Partnership Between Tanzanian Government and Barrick (20.10.2019)

Opinion: Magufuli should look at Acacia before he throws shade at Museveni!

“President John Pombe Magufuli has advised President Museveni to sacrifice part of the 185m USD tax bill charged by the URA to conclude plans for the construction of the crude oil pipeline and begin the project forthwith in order to create jobs” (NTV Uganda, 07.09.2019).

Today, is yet another day of hypocrisy. It is not new, but just another story like that. As the Tanzanian President Magufuli is right that Uganda Revenue Authority and their winning of a Court Case, which entails a tax-dispute between Tullow Oil has suspended the development of the pipeline and the drilling in parts of the Lake Albert Basin. As the farm-down agreement between three parties, Tullow, Total and CNOOC is on-hold.

That is where the Tanzanian President is right. Period. However, he is wrong in a whole other sense. Should President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni tell his counter-part, that he should mind his own business? Yes, actually. Because, in this manner. The Tanzanian one is doing the same battle with anther extraction industry. The mining industry, the Acacia Mining tax scandal. Where the the company has to back-pay the government.

This the Tanzanian counterparts slapped on the company by in 2017. The same sort of settlement the Ugandan did with Tullow in 2015, as the Republic wanted back-taxes for the investments done in the territory. That is why Magufuli shouldn’t whine about this.

Surely, we know Magufuli wanted the man-power, the taxing rate of the movement of goods through his United Republic and secure the usage of Tanga Port. Museveni knows this, but he wants the tax for the operations done by both Heritage and Tullow. That is trying to ditch the back-pay on other companies whose buying their stake in the Lake Albert Basin.

Therefore, with the knowledge of the Acacia scandal, that is still going on to this day. Magufuli wanted back-pay for lack of taxes from the mining industry. Which is righteous, just like Museveni does at his place. The Tullow has now used years from 2015 to 2019. Acacia has now used 2017 to 2019. In 2018, the ownership of Acacia said it looked forward to negotiations with the government. This year in February, the company still have no resolution to the back-pay of taxes. That means the government of Magufuli have not fixed the same issue. 

Just like the Ugandans haven’t fixed the farm-down and back-pay of operational taxes. Because, the company trying to configure itself out of taxes. Surely, Tanzania see the same acts by their mining industry. But in this regard, Magufuli wants to earn a dime on the oil exploitation in the Lake Albert Basin.

So, before the Tanzanian get it fixed with Acacia or Barrick in their own dominion. They should give time for Ugandans to fix their own tax dispute. They have even won it in an International Court. Therefore, the Ugandan case is stronger, than the one of Acacia. Whose only internally disputed.

That is why, this isn’t the faults of Uganda Revenue Authority, but of Tullow, whose trying to deflect the payment of taxes in the Republic. Something, Magufuli wouldn’t allow anyone operating in his territory. If so, why this hustle against Acacia and still not stopping it?

Because, Magufuli want the taxes and the proper payment for doing business in the United Republic. Just like Museveni want the proper payment for doing business in the Republic.

So, please Joseph, get your own domain straight, before throwing other people under the bus. Maybe, once in the while accept criticism. That might given your argument a more flair and less selfish reasons for addressing a neighbour and an ally. Peace.

Tanzania: Police Bans the Political Party ACT Chama Cha Wazalendo from having all kinds of internal party work!

On the 8^th March 2018, the Police sent an order to the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) Chama Cha Wazalendo. This order is directly banning and making it illegal for the party to organize itself. The Tanzanian Police has ordered that meeting people in their houses and have town hall meetings is illegal. They are also banning all internal meetings within the ACT Chama Cha Wazalendo party.

Meaning the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the party of the President is consolidating his power even more, as his attacks on the media and certain individuals was the start. Now he is directly banning other party from working within their party organization. In general the ACT Chama Cha Wazalendo is directly illegal, because they cannot gather, not have internal meetings and not meet in people’s houses. They are banned from moving, having gatherings and even do party internal work. President John Magufuli must be so proud of his actions.

We know that Magufuli is afraid, that he is weak and cannot stomach criticism, that is proven during his term. That is why radios lost their license, papers sanctioned and opposition political leaders detained. That is the reason why he now orders the Police to silence ACT Chama Cha Wazalendo. He cannot manage that they are questioning his authority. The only way to prove it is by banning, detaining and control it with force. Magufuli doesn’t have the heart or the understanding of using his position to address the opposition with rhetoric and political papers. Instead, he detains and bans.

That is why the ACT Chama Cha Wazalendo is the latest victim of the weak President. Who cannot muster force to stand up against the people who disagree with him. A President who doesn’t have the character to understand the opposition. Because he is the almighty, the head honcho and the man with all the answers. If Hitchhikers Guide To Galaxy was written today, Douglas Adams would have written that Deep Thought and Magufuli is the same character. If you have any questions, anything you need understood, you go to Magufuli and not traveling around the galaxy to Deep Thought like Ford Perfect did. Because Magufuli would have the answer even “42” and all the others you might need.

We have seen this over time. Again Magufuli proves it. Peace.

Opinion: President Magufuli is weak and sensitive, since he cannot manage criticism!

I don’t know anyone who is more sensitive, I don’t know how little criticism this leader can handle. It is shocking and sinister how little this can handle. I can write what I like, because I don’t have to fear for that man. I don’t have to hide, because he won’t shut down my radio, my newspaper or my online page. The man cannot stop my explicit tune playing the radio. My office will not be raided by the police, my home will be war-zone as they pull me out and detain me. I will not be charged and be in prison for 5 months.

Some would think I would write about their specific leader, since these sort of individuals are on the rise. But this is dedicated to the Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, who with his ruling party has arrested people of the opposition on Zanzibar, has taken control over the broadcasting licenses and orders everyone around. President Magufuli cannot manage criticism. Critics and Opposition is venom to him. It kills his thoughts, his ideas and his vision, no matter how small or big. It just destroys him. He become bitter and instead of answer back with facts and arguments. He send the police and uses his authority to silence them.

It is so weak, it so belittling and show how little imagination Magufuli has, it shows how little of mind he has. That he cannot muster strength and mind to battle his opponents. The President cannot manage to address them like common folk in a conversation. Everyone has that with someone they have a conversation over some time, will weather you like it or not, disagree. That is natural and therefore, you don’t come with hatred and sanctions. But ideas and other perspective, to figure out reasonable result, a consensus if you may. However, in the Tanzania under Magufuli, that is a Noble idea and a quest into oblivion. You will find heroes on the other side of the border somewhere, not inside.

President Magufuli is a lost cause, he is barren and seemingly striking against anyone writing and saying stuff about him. I would have written this in Tanga Port, Arusha or Dodoma. If I was writing this in an internet cafe, I would expect to hampered, questioned by the police and charged for sending out questionable content. I know it is questionable, because I am questioning the ability of Magufuli to be an honest and good leader.

I have doubts that he can ever aspire to greatness, ever become a hero or even be legendary leader. I have doubt he can, he doesn’t have the character or the strength to pull it off. Magufuli is a coward and forgery, he cannot manage to address newspapers, neither radio stations, also opposition politicians. The ones who ask questions and calls him names. That is why he isn’t great, but a weakling. Because he hasn’t got the guts to be under-fire, without striking back, if he had gone after them with words and arguments. It would make sense, as that would further the agenda and prove his mental capacity of leadership. Instead, he is ordering and using force against the ones speaking up. Using the police and courts as political tools to silence dissidents. Like a little bitch, a little whiny weakling who cannot manage to open his mouth, use simple reasoning and facts to address the ones calling him names.

It is vindictive, it is vicious and shows the lack of heart. It lacks the basic instinct of gratitude, it is more of misuse of power and ruthlessness. He cannot manage to control his mind and his visions, he cannot handle people working against him or speaking ill of him. So the best way is to silence them, so he cannot hear them for a while. Magufuli is weak, bitter and desperate. It cannot be easy, not managing questions, not managing people speaking up and not even sexual explicit songs from Diamond Platinums on the radio. Shiish, what a Republic it has become.

Magufuli, you brought so much hope, but your were just a weak man, not able or not having the character to run the Republic. Why I say that, because you cannot stomach people who you disagree with or address you. That is why you cannot manage to be a leader, to be proud and rule. You are not tough, you are soft and an excuse of a man who leads the Republic.

I know you would have detained me for this, because I insult your pride and your honour, however, you have insulted the intelligence of your own people. That they have a President who has no common sense, who cannot manage his temper and be level headed. Instead, your high and mighty on the throne, but cannot manage the people taunting you. Are you a clown or are you a leader? Seemingly your leading people, but ordering them. Because if your not following orders and dissent, you can expect arrests and judgment in favor of the state.

If that how you think you will succeed. You might quell it and they will re-return to prison for speaking against you again. You are creating enemies, you are creating renegades and revolutionaries, because your assaulting the ordinary liberty and their freedoms. All of that happens because the thin-skinned character you are, cannot manage to be touched or insulted. You cannot manage to questioned or humiliated in public. Clearly, you can only manage praise and public support by fellow leaders and people.

President Magufuli do you want to be recognized as weak? Is that who you are? A weak and softhearted man, who cannot manage criticism. Time to step up your game and handle this with sense. I know I am asking much, but someone has to say it. Peace.

Tanzania: Criticism of President Leads to Imprisonment (01.03.2018)

These developments together heighten already significant concerns about Tanzania’s commitment to democratic governance and human rights.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, March 1, 2018 – In response to a court in Tanzania sentencing two opposition political leaders — Joseph Mbiliyini and Emmanuel Masonga – to five months’ imprisonment for using insulting language against President John Magufuli, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“The jailing of opposition politicians for expressing their views on issues of public interest, such as political violence, highlights the Magufuli administration’s growing intolerance of peaceful and legitimate dissent and is aimed at intimidating critics of the government,” said Jon Temin, director of Africa programs. “At the same time, credible reports of the kidnapping, disappearance and murder of several political and human rights activists in recent months point to accelerating political violence. These developments together heighten already significant concerns about Tanzania’s commitment to democratic governance and human rights.”

Tanzania is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2018 and Partly Free in Freedom of the Press 2017.

My letter to President Magufuli: seems like you need some love 3.0

Dear Sir, His Excellency (H.E.) President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania.

I am sad, I have to write to you again on this sort of affair. It is not like you are cheating on your wife. If your going to trade war with fellow East African Countries. Not like you trying to stifle fellow counterparts of the TAZARA Railway. That would have interesting and been shocking.

I am not writing about the added taxes or the trying to earn bigger parts of the mineral wealth in Tanzania. That is something you should be saluted for and I understand your grievances against the International Mining Companies who earn massive profits on the minerals on your lands.

Well, I am writing because someone hurt your feelings. Someone wrote something that hit your little heart. Something that you cannot muster to understand and escape away from. The powers of Presidency should get under-fire and get criticism for the acts and regulations done by the high power. If cannot muster just resentment and arguments against your critics, you should step H.E. Magufuli.

I am not saying that with ease, because I am a nobody, I would wash your car, clear your garden, maybe carry your mail or be someone who worked in an office, doing demeaning clerical work. Still, I tell you, you cannot always get love and praise. I have told you what you deserve praise for, before going into this. Since if you cannot muster resentments and arguments, or being an honest big-man to let a paper named Mwanahalisi, write what they like.

Instead, your are a heartless person, who has silenced the paper for two years. You have silenced yet another part of the press. Since they call you a hypocrite. Is that all it takes to hurt you? Are you that small, Mr. President? Hypocrite? Really? Are you not more powerful and greater, are you not braver or are you just a figment of imagination of actual opposition against you?

It is like you expect love and praise, for the earth your walking on. That you cannot be told or be questioned by the local media. Now they cannot say anything without fearing losing license, suspensions or direct crack-down leading to the bankruptcy. Clearly, this is your tale Mr. President. I wish it was different. I wish you had heart and could manage to be put in question.

What would Magufuli do? He would have hated my letters and asked for my blog to be closed down. If I was in Tanzania, you would have detained me or even put me to Court. But I all want is for you to see how belittling you are. Instead of the character you could have. Brush it off and know you would get love for the actual good things you do and wants to achieve. That you will have adversaries is natural, your in public office. Not everyone will accept your policies and your statements. If you we’re saint and not an ordinary person. Which by heart you are, since your so offended by being called “hypocrite”, that you suspend a paper.

It would be necessary to give you love, but it is time for tough love and learn some humility Mr. President, His Excellency!

I know I ask a lot by saying it, but I think you need to hear it!

Best Regards

Writer of Minbane

The Order:

Tanzania: Acacia – Receipt of Tax Assessments – This Announcement contains Inside Information (24.07.2017)

My letter to President Magufuli: seems like you need some love 2.0

Dear Sir, His Excellency (H.E.) President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania.

I am writing to you again, it strange how it comes to this. I wonder why it has turned to this. There was so much hope for you. You we’re a breath of fresh air, acted differently and seemed decent. Instead, the power has eaten your soul and you cannot handle critics or possible dossiers.

It seems like you have a little-man complex or power fatigue, as you expected to get showers of confetti and not get rainy days. I know it is weird, but life is usually what you serve it. If there are issues and corruption in the Mining Industry, it isn’t the tabloid paper Mawio, but it is the Mineral Extraction companies and civil servants who are corrupted. You should not have issues with the tabloid journalists in Mawio, they are just telling stories from Tanzania and from the different people that lives there. You should know this better than me, you are the Executive and running the Republic. Let’s take a brief look!

“The Information minister Dr Harrison Mwakyembe imposed the 24-month ban through a statement released to the media by the Director of Information services Dr Hassan Abbasi on Thursday evening” (…) “I have been left with no other option than to use powers conferred to me by the Information Services Act to impose a ban on Mawio from publication for the next 24 months,” read part of the letter from the minister to Mawio editor” (…) “Mawio was accused of ignoring a government directive on reporting of the former presidents. On Wednesday, President John Magufuli warned the media against linking Mkapa and Kikwete to the government minerals dispute with mining giant Acacia” (The Citizen, 2017).

I know you must feel hurt… feel the pain and the sorrow of maybe being involved in possible mineral dispute like your previous peers. I know that the precious heart of yours must be shattered. That this Mawio tabloid paper wrote such a hideous story exposing the current president, you Magufuli are compered with them. It seems like you have lost your heart…

That your heart was shattered, that the deep sorrow are coming over you. Magufuli you need love and passion, as you have so little compassion. As a president your expected to get support and praise, but this is opposite. What Mawio wrote was maybe distasteful of your wished reputation, but if your connected and letting the government do similar as your predecessors. Shouldn’t that be informed by the media?

Seemingly, you are the President and your precious feelings are getting hurt so often. That the press are writing stories and revealing the government matters, which they shouldn’t in your opinion. Well, many would be to differ, especially when try to dig deep, like even a weekly tabloid Mavio did on Wednesday.

Someone needs to give you love, make it compassionate and be a caregiver to you. Since you cannot handle criticism and critic of any kind. As President and as Executive, you should have the heart, have the understanding and handle the media, as they are there to be part of the checks and balances of your work, President!

Your government are weak and pathetic if it cannot handle that a tabloid write stories about it. President Magufuli, I know you need love, lots of it. You need it so much, that if someone now writes against you and your government you hurt them. The Ministry of Information are suspending them on your accord.

Your usually gets what your hearts seeks. Your emotions seems to run a bit hot lately, as over the last few months… you have been hard on the media and journalists for so, so long!

Can someone please… for the love of god and everything holy, give the President some love. So that he can act like fellow brother and not as heinous totalitarian leader, not as the leader people expected you to be!

Best Regard

Writer of Minbane

Mawio Newspaper Suspended – United Republic of Tanzania – Statement in Swahili

Reference:

The Citizen – ‘Tanzania slaps 2-year ban on newspaper for linking Kikwete, Mkapa to mining row’ (16.06.2017) link: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Tanzania-tabloid-banned-Magufuli-minerals/2558-3973200-37oyx/index.html

Tanzania: Further Response to the First Presidential Committee’s findings on the Export of Gold/Copper Concentrates (26.05.2017)