Tanzania detains freelancer Kabendera over ‘citizenship’ (31.07.2019)

Dar es Salaam police chief Lazaro Mambosasa said at a press conference today that Kabendera was in custody and that police arrested him after the journalist failed to obey a summons.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 31, 2019 – The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Tanzanian authorities to immediately release freelance journalist Erick Kabendera, whom police said is being investigated over his citizenship status.Dar es Salaam police chief Lazaro Mambosasa said at a press conference today that Kabendera was in custody and that police arrested him after the journalist failed to obey a summons. Mambosasa said that Kabendera was being questioned about his citizenship and that police were working with immigration officials. Police yesterday denied knowledge of Kabendera’s case after the journalist was taken from his home by a group of men who refused to identify themselves, according to reports and CPJ research.

One of the journalist’s relatives, who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity because of safety concerns, said that the citizenship investigation was surprising because authorities had investigated his status before and “cleared him.” In 2013 authorities terminated a similar investigation into the journalist and his parents, calling it “ill-advised” and stating that the family’s citizenship was not questionable, according to a report by the privately-owned publication, The Citizen. In a blog post, Kabendera linked the 2013 investigation to attempts to muzzle him. The Citizen reported last year on several cases of authorities investigating the citizenship of government critics.

The relative said that no summons was issued and told CPJ they believe the arrest is in retaliation for Kabendera’s journalism, which has been unflinching in its assessment of President John Magufuli’s government.

“This rehashing of discredited claims about Erick Kabendera’s citizenship appear to be nothing more than a ploy by the Tanzanian authorities to justify their actions after public outcry over the manner in which the journalist was detained,” said CPJ Sub-Saharan Africa Representative Muthoki Mumo. “Kabendera should be released immediately and this sham of an investigation terminated. Tanzanian authorities must stop harassing their critics.”

At the press conference this afternoon, Mambosasa said that Kabendera was being held at Central police station in Dar es Salaam. When family, colleagues, and lawyers tried to visit the journalist this evening, they were told he was not at the station and that they could not see him until tomorrow, Jones Sendodo, a lawyer affiliated with the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition and who went to the station, told CPJ. The coalition today filed a bail application that will be heard on August 1, according to Watetezi TV, which is associated with the coalition.

Tanzanian Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro and Mambosasa were unreachable on their phones today. CPJ’s messages asking for comment, sent this evening, went unanswered.

Kabendera has reported for several regional and international publications, including the British newspaper The Guardian and the website African Arguments. His most recent reporting in the regional weekly The East African covered alleged divisions in Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, amid alleged plots within the party to block Magufuli from running for a second term.

Press freedom has drastically deteriorated in Magufuli’s Tanzania. CPJ has documented the use of suspensions, restrictive legislation, and intimidation to muzzle journalists. The freelance journalist Azory Gwanda went missing in 2017 and the government has yet to provide a credible accounting of his whereabouts. When asked about Gwanda today, Mambosasa told journalists that he could not provide details because it was necessary to keep investigations “secret” to protect evidence before it was brought to a court.

Misa Tanzania Calls for Kabendera’s Immediate Release (30.07.2019)

Tanzania: The two unwritten rules that is the commandments right now

This is the end of July 2019, President Joseph Magufuli is pre-paring for his re-election bid, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) is gearing up for it. As this is happening and with the fragile and thin-skinned President, you have to beware of two important unwritten rules. If not, you might end-up kidnapped, gone-missing or charged with several of offences, because you offended the “Don”. That is just the way it is.

We can smile, we grin and even mock this all, but this is sadly dead serious.

First unwritten rule: Always praise the President and all of his actions.

Because, if you criticise or even question his actions, if you find reasons for why something isn’t wise, isn’t brilliant and isn’t rocket-science. Except to be picked-up, get into trouble and wonder when you will see your family again. That is what is happening and at a greater rate. Therefore, key principal is to always praise Magulufi and all his policies, even if they burn the Republic, even as they are killing all liberty and free will. Still, you got to give way and kiss the ring. That is the unwritten rule number one.

Second unwritten rule: Never ever question the CCM and its policies.

The CCM is all powerful, they are allowed to do everything, they are the incarnation of the state and the breathing example of power. The CCM is the tool of the President and you dare insult this institution, which is used by the President to do his bidding. The CCM is allowed to come with threats and intimidation, but you better not think of striking back at it. Because, if you do, expect trouble. A lot of trouble, if your lawmaker, except to loose your seat, if you’re a civil servant, expect to be sacked and so on. Therefore, always be humble, always show grace and by all means never ever question the CCM and their acts. If you do, have a tank, have a submarine, something to defend yourself, because your getting yourself into trouble.

Remember as I state this, remember that Magufuli is a divine intervention on planet earth. The ground he touches, will start to grow beautiful flowers or get a massive harvest. His acts and words, a simple and poetic, his mind is a mix of Jesus and Einstein. There is no-one to compare, his such a statute, such a special individual, that his legacy will live on for thousands of moons, will be written in the stars and his tales will be legendary. That is who he is, but world doesn’t know and doesn’t accept its own.

Because Magufuli is all of this, that is why his party and allies are so unique too. That is why you cannot touch them, because they are blessed, and also saved by the President, the CCM; greatness is all because of the Fountain of Honour, His Highness and His Excellency. Never ever, forget that.

If you do, don’t expect to see much daylight or have any liberties. That will be revoked, as you offended his majesty and his court. Peace.

Opinion: How little is President Magufuli? You got no idea!

Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee

And I’ll forgive Thy great big one on me.” Robert Frost

You know that the state of affairs and the control of the population has gone to foolish levels, when people are investigated and arrested for publishing content on WhatsApp. Now, there are three students this week arrested from Kampala International University in Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania.

We already know that the CCM and President Joseph Magufuli is a touchy and a crowd who cannot stomach criticism, neither allow any sort of dissidents nor any movement of opposition, except if they have legally told the right authorities about their acts, lectures, press conferences or campaign rallies. In this United Republic, you can now be ensured that all your data, content and published online will be put under scrutiny. You could become a felon just for toying with a picture of the President.

That is what the three KIU students did, they played around with a picture of President Magufuli making him wear a hijab. Like that is dangerous, like this little joke would shatter the world, cease the power of the President and kill his libido. Surely, this sort of picture wouldn’t liberate the ovaries of woman in the life of the President. They would close them and would fear the cross-dressing President.

Let’s be serious. The Police and the authorities seeking to investigate this, having a court case over this is all a bunch of nonsense. Shows how dumb the society can go. How Big Brother Magufuli and his lack of love is ever present in the United Republic.

They are accused of “publishing false information through technology”, we all know that the President wouldn’t wear a hijab, unless he would get laid by his wife. We know that these students only did this as a joke. Not a sinister act on WhatsApp, they just had a fun with a public persona and the one with the highest office in the Republic. Surely, he should be able to carry this and also the state should see this as insignificant. Not like they cause mass hysteria, not like they were spreading massive leaks of government sensitive data nor planning a overthrow of government.

No, they just had a moment of fun on WhatsApp, which shouldn’t become a giant United Republic of Tanzania matter. The President, the Police and everyone should chill and ensure they can carry themselves. These students should even be allowed to make a picture with the President in a thong or G-string like Borat. Because, it is just mockery of a person in power.

The President isn’t a holy deity is he? Is Magufuli the lost son of God and we cannot mock him?

Please if so, do tell? Because, we need to know. A man of that character should have the brilliance and the wit to convince of it. Until then, his allowed to be mocked, that comes with the office he has. He should expect that and so should the government. Peace.

In BBC interview, Tanzanian foreign minister says journalist Azory Gwanda is dead (11.07.2019)

Kabudi said that Gwanda had “disappeared and died” in the country’s eastern Rufiji region.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 11, 2019 – The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on the Tanzanian government to provide a detailed public account of the fate of freelance journalist Azory Gwanda after the country’s foreign minister, Palamagamba Kabudi, said in an interview that the journalist is dead.

In an interview with the BBC’s “Focus on Africa” program today, Kabudi said that Gwanda had “disappeared and died” in the country’s eastern Rufiji region, and said that the government has since “been able to contain that kind of extremism” in the region. Gwanda went missing on November 21, 2017, after investigating mysterious killings and disappearances in his community, and the Tanzanian government has never delivered a promised investigation into his case, according to CPJ research.

“For a year and a half, Azory Gwanda’s family and the Tanzanian media have pleaded with the government to explain what happened to their loved one and colleague,” said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney from New York. “Then suddenly the foreign minister mentions, almost in passing, that the journalist is apparently dead. This is wholly inadequate and distressing. The government must immediately share publicly all information it has about Gwanda’s fate.”

Kabudi told the BBC that the Tanzanian government is not “proud” of the disappearances and killings in Rufiji, which he said also took the lives of police officers and ruling party officials, and said that the government was taking measures to make sure that citizens and journalists are safe. However, CPJ research shows that impunity in journalists’ deaths or disappearances contributes to an environment that fosters violence against journalists.

CPJ’s phone calls today to Kabudi and Tanzanian government spokesperson Hassan Abbassi went unanswered.

Opinion: The CCM must be weak since it targets Tindu Lissu!

All cruelty springs from weakness.”Seneca

In the United Republic of Tanzania, the grand state of Julius Nyerere and CCM. The opposition in a position, where their every move is monitored, where their every act has to be approved and nearly all utterings in public has to verified before published.

So in this world, the bulldozer, the dozing off and afraid individual President Joseph Magufuli exists. Where he has ushered in several of rules making it harder for the opposition to run their parties and even try to compete with the CCM. The state has a stranglehold on them and is chocking them by all means. To say otherwise is to be naive by all the codes, legislation and by the measures put in place by His Excellency and his brigade of loyal subjects.

That is why there are certain individuals who are getting a joint effort to undermine and silence them. One being Zitto Kabwe, the other giant in the opposition is Tindu Lissu, whose survived an assassination attempt and since then gotten treatment in Europe. For two whole years he has fought and doing what he can heal, by also giving words and telling where he is to the Parliament. Still, the same Parliament this June, called for By-Election for his Singida East Seat. Because, the Speaker claimed they didn’t know about his whereabouts. They take his healing from an assassination as a joke or what?

That is a friendly reminder, that the CCM doesn’t take kindly to opposition nor to opposition figures like Lissu. They are afraid of what he represents and what his messages is. That is why the quick call by the National Election Commission for by-election by 31st July, a short month after the Speaker called his seat up for elections on the 28th June 2019. This while knowing Lissu was receiving treatment in Belgium. Really, shows how fragile and mediocre the ego of the CCM is at the moment.

They cannot even keep it at a fair fight, but has to knock people while they are down and fighting to regain normal strength. The MP will fight for it, even from a far, but this is foolish. That he has too, when everyone knows the reason. Only the CCM and the President that takes people for fools and hope people are as ignorant as him. Because, clearly this is an ego thing and trying to mastermind him out of a seat in the Parliament.

I hope Lissu wins this again. That he conquer this obstacle and shows the CCM a little finger, as they have misjudged the public and their resilience against stupid ideas like this. This is not a show strength of the CCM, but a utter sign of weakness. That they have to aim for a guy, that is battling with scars of plot to kill him. They are so brutal and insincere, that they hope people doesn’t understand this.

That is who the CCM and Mugufuli is these days. He can only win, when he knows the other people is in a disadvantage, the CCM and Magufuli couldn’t have won this in a fair fight. They know that and we does too. Peace.

Tanzania: The Miscellaneous Amendments No. 3 is to monitor and control more parts of society!

In Tanzania, the Written Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Amendments No. 3) Act 2019, gazetted on the 30th May 2019 was put into law. There are several striking here, which has been reported about before, but is now legislation and not just proposed legislation. This really says a lot about the current leadership, the ruling party and its President. Who are all afraid of dissidents and all written content, all sorts of content, as the state has changed laws in the recent years to totally oversee and check what is printed, written, spoken, public meetings, gatherings, press conference, teachings and so on.

The CCM and President Joseph Magufuli is some afraid human beings, they are so afraid of opposition, that they are even suspending one MP for not attending, who wasn’t unlawfully away from the Parliament, he was healing from an assassination plot, which he survived, but has been eye-soar for the Presidency, apparently. In the same regard is the laws I will publish today, as the state will limit even more movement and content. They have already restricted bloggers, publications and political parties. Now, they are taking it further.

We already know how weak, pale and soft Magufuli is, because all he needs is blind praise and followers with no other opinions, than similar to his own. That is why the laws are revised, so the state can control all parts of society and silence the ones who think otherwise. That is the strength of CCM and Magufuli at this point. This law is no different.

“6A.-(1) Any foreign production company or individual using Tanzania scene, content and location for filming the whole or any part of a film, advertisement, documentary or program, shall-

(a) submit to Tanzania Film Board raw footage;

(b) acknowledge all physical locations used for filming;

(c) submit a copy of a finished film, advertisement, documentary or program;

(d) sign a prescribed clearance form before exiting Tanzania and submit the same to the Tanzania Film Board or any other authority appointed by the Board;

(e) grant rights to the government of Tanzania to use content for the purposes of promoting Tanzania and its potential resources, tourism, photographic location and cultural attraction which are distributed through public broadcasts, cable programs, sound or visual recordings or any other digital platform used by public broadcaster:

Provided that, such use is compatible with fair practice and that the source and the name of the executive producer and production company are mentioned in the film, documentary or advertisement” (PART IV AMENDMENT OF THE FILMS AND STAGE PLAYS ACT, (CAP. 230).

This one specifically controls and verify all footage done by foreign film crews and their mission, even the usage of the raw footage, all videos, clips and movies will all be considered by the state, before the release of it. This means some travel-blogger who does a V-Log on Youtube, have to have a permit, show it to the governing body, all his raw-footage before his allowed to drop it on his platform. If something will kill of an industry and make it harder to promote Tanzania, this will, because who will jump hoops and ensure the vision of the state, than the ones of his own. This is to silence the critics and the ones taping documentaries, which the CCM and the President doesn’t want to see or hear about.

The state is also limiting what an NGO can be like: ““Non-Governmental Organization” also known by its acronym “NGO” and which includes Community Based Organisation (CBO) means a voluntary grouping of individuals or organizations which is, non-partisan or non-profit sharing established and operates for the benefit or welfare of the community or public organized at the local, national or international levels for the purpose of enhancing or promoting economic, environmental, social or cultural development or protecting environment, lobbying or advocating on such issues;” (PART V AMENDMENT OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ACT, (CAP. 56).

Which really limits the spectrum of NGOs and how they can operate, as the law will stipulate further, but by being non-partisan and non-profit, as well as not religious and such. Will all stop the NGOs from certain affiliations, as well as the NGO board extended power to investigate with the help of law-enforcement. Will in the end closure a lot of NGOs and also ensure, that they all comply. Any NGO should comply with national and international laws, but they should also have freedom and liberty to operate, as they see fit. Here, they are bound by law and can do less and less with more possible set-backs. Just like the laws has been in other part of civil society in Tanzania of late.

As in the Society Act: “Any society declared by order of the Minister to be a society dangerous to the good governance of Tanzania, shall be declared to be unlawful under the provisions of this section and every such order made under the provisions of this section shall continue in force until revoked under this Act” (PART VI AMENDMENT OF THE SOCIETIES ACT, (CAP. 337).

This change of law, gives the minister very much power as he deems dangerous to society and against good governance, as it isn’t an specific measure or even something that can be graded that easy. The platform for the Minister could be to please the President or the CCM against Societies or International Societies, which are based in Tanzania to get de-registered because they have programs or policies, which enrage or even questions the powers to be. Therefore, they have to be de-registered by declaration of the Minister. If this happens in the near future, don’t be surprised, this provision was made for that to happen.

Now the Statistic Act: “24B.-(1) A person shall not publish non-official statistics without consultation with the Statistician General. (2) The consultation referred to under subsection (1) shall involve discussion on data sources, methodology used, data sources, analysis, data interpretation and results to be published” (…)“(4) Any person who publishes non-official statistics contrary to the provisions of this Act, commits an offence and shall, upon conviction by a competent court, be liable – (a) in the case of an individual, to a fine of not less than one million shillings but not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months but not exceeding twelve months or to both; and “ (…)(b) in the case of an institution, to a fine of not less than ten million shillings but not exceeding fifty million shillings.”  (PART VII AMENDMENT OF STATISTICS ACT, (CAP. 351).

We can see how fearful the state of the wrong numbers, the wrong content and the wrong published material, as anything that the state haven’t verified must be deemed unfit for consumption, mentally and physically. The CCM and the President wants to ensure everyone, that they have secured the research, the methods done to collect these results and not some manufactured numbers to deceive as if it is done elsewhere. The CCM and President are so afraid of the free world, that they are even banning publishing of statistics, if their hired board and Statistician General isn’t allowing it.

As we can see, the CCM and the President are very frightened people ,who has guide everyone and sometimes, I suppose, themselves in the middle of the wilderness called life. Because, this law and amendments are strikingly after the same game. To control, to monitor and to de-register the ones the state doesn’t seem fit. Just like they do with anyone who challenge the CCM and their hegemony at the top. No one should do that in the United Republic, United for One and his vision, Magufuli. Peace.

 

Tanzania: Notice to Travelers Planning to Visit Tanzania (16.05.2019)

Mdude’s shadow will haunt you Mr. President!

Again and again, the ones who dares to insult, insinuate or even insist on criticising His Excellency, they are all getting into trouble. That is why Union Day are more looking like a Military Parade, than a day of joy and happiness. President Joseph Pombe Magufuli has again ensured that someone is taken away or dispatched somewhere.

This time its his critic Mdude Nyagali or Mdude Chadema, whose been abducted by four gun-wielding men. Though we don’t know why his gotten kidnapped, but surely it is in connection with his outspoken and open criticism of the President. This seems like a targeted hit and at someone who has no trouble filling in the blanks.

Mdude has been missing now for over two days. He went first missing after the kidnapping on the 4th May 2019. Therefore, his location and his possible place of capture would be vital. As we don’t know what agency, whose behind it or who wants to be responsible for this assault on his liberty, freedom and even justice to a critical citizen.

We already know that Magufuli doesn’t have the ability or the character to grasp his role as a President. That Magufuli doesn’t have the capacity or knowledge to rule, he is a man who needs all the glory and all the praise, but never-ever, never-ever be questioned or criticised. The mighty, the Executive and the Head of State who only accepts worship, but not anything negative. That is why dudes, like Mdude gets into trouble.

We have seen this before and his the latest casualty of the fragile ego of the President. A hypocrite and a bastard of a man. Whose belittling mind cannot understand or hold the level of intelligence to fit the paradigm of society or civil society for that matter.

Mdude’s shadow will now hunt the Presidency, because the President is a shallow-minded individual. Who clearly needs to seek guidance, needs a lesson or two, maybe even some education. As it seems he never had any, if he did, he never got any in manners or as a leader. Since, he as a leader, never understood how to lead or guide the public. How the public discourse get discussed or how people tend to articulate their difference with a President. Alas, he just wants love and not hate.

Even if the actions of the President only shows hate and contempt of the human race, as he wants blind submission and not thinking individuals. Because, he wants the public in the image of himself. A non-thinking man with boundless powers. But if we followed a man like that, we would all run out of a cliff and never return back again alive.

That is why the shadow of Mdude will follow him. On every corner, at every parliamentary session, every time he touches a pen or even thinks. Mdude will shine back in the mirror and even scare him shitless when he whizz. That is the reality of Magufuli. Until the man is released and produced in a Court of Law. If the State can prove his guilt of a crime or even pin a criminal act on him. Because, right now his kidnapped and no-one knows where he is for the last 48 hours. Peace.

Tanzania: Blocked IMF Report, because of negative projections!

President Joseph Pombe Magufuli isn’t the sort of guy, that handles critics or opposition well. He is the sort of guy that needs all praise and benefits of a doubt. Therefore, the latest move is in a long line of questionable behaviour from his party, his apparatus and his administration to stifle voices of another opinion.

The Tanzanian government under Magufuli is a paranoid and wavy state. Where everything hangs by a thread, if your in the good graces of the President or not. If your not or if you questions him. He will take your license, suspend your newspaper or even detain you for a various reasons. That is the state of affairs. So, that the President and his people have blocked an unfavourable report from the International Monetary Fund isn’t surprising, it is more of the same.

This is from the same man, that has arrested MPs for speaking ill of him. This is from the same man, that didn’t like articles written the The Citizen to later suspend that too. Therefore, when someone dares to question his ways and orders, he will strike with fury. That is the man, the governs and leads the Republic.

Here is some pieces of information, that might be the reason why the Article IV Report of the IMF was blocked from publishing. With the Press Release of the block from IMF, before a Stratfor explanation and projections of the World Bank.

IMF Press Release:

On March 18, 2019, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund concluded the consideration of the 2019 Article IV Consultation with the United Republic of Tanzania” (…) “The authorities have not consented to publication of the staff report or the related press release” (IMF – ‘Statement on the 2019 Article IV Consultation with the United Republic of Tanzania Staff Report’ 17.04.2019).

Stratfor explanation:

What Happened: An apparently leaked report by the International Monetary Fund contains criticism of the Tanzanian government’s interventionist economic policies and noted that they are hurting the country’s investment climate, Bloomberg reported April 18. The Tanzanian government subsequently decided to block the report’s release. Why It Matters: The report will likely serve as an alarming sign for international investors who already have been concerned that the Tanzanian government is targeting foreign multinational companies” (Stratfor – ‘Tanzania: IMF Report Criticizes Government Measures’ 19.04.2019).

World Bank Context:

Economic performance in 2018 was mixed, while inflation remains low and stable. The National Bureau of Statistics did not release any quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) data for 2018, pending completion of a rebasing exercise. However, available data suggest signs of softening of the growth momentum” (World Bank in Tanzania – Context, 01.04.2019).

We can clearly see why the President didn’t want this to get released, also that his administration would further hit their goals, when concerning their economic forecast. This is damaging the image and also the confidence in the financial system. The IMF would have told a story that the administration didn’t want to hear or listen too.

That is why it hasn’t been released, because the President who wants all positive and praise. Cannot manage an independent entity from the outside coming with a message or projection, which isn’t fitting the narrative of the CCM. At this point, that is the message I get out of it.

Magufuli and the Tanzanian Administration could have turned the projections and the forecast. They have the ability to create stability and trust in the financial system. However, they are instead stonewalling and continuing on this path. They are not creating confidence of the acts of the government from the outside. It is backfiring instead, but this is from the administration that has to verify and give a stamp of approval to release statistics.

Therefore, we know how far this administration goes. Now, they are even stopping Article IV Report from being released. That is a sign of weakness in the economy. Peace.