Opinion: President Lungu’s first step to Life Presidency!

Today in Lusaka, was the day, where the gloves are off and the reality sets in. It is not that people are opening up presents to early, as the Christmas morning is upon just yet. However, there is someone who got their glee and their grove on. That is Zambia’s own head honcho, their own Wonderboy and Gods Grace, Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Whose been allowed to run for a third term by the Constitutional Court.

That is a significant step, as 106(3) of the Constitution says: “A person who has held office as President is not eligible for election as a third term”. Another person and fellow dictator who did similar trick as Lungu, is Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza, who didn’t amend the Constitution before the election in 2015 after serving already two terms. Now, Lungu is doing the same trick. He thinks he is pulling the rabbit out of the hat, but instead he is showing his true aim. To rule for life.

On the same day, as he is allowed to run for a third term. Daily Nation reports that: “This week on Tuesday during a special interview on ZNBC, Mr Chanda directed Law Enforcement to arrest people using social media to report falsehoods about President Edgar Lungu’s health” (Daily Nation – ‘POLICE TO ACT ON STATE DIRECTIVE, 07.12.2018).

So, clearly the state is in high gear and ready, as anyone questioning and spreading rumors about the President might meet the law at some point. Just like activist and opposition politicians. Because the Patriotic Front isn’t playing around.

That is what the key part of their statement today said: “The Patriotic Front (PF) is delighted with the outcome of the landmark decision of the Constitutional Court that has cleared the path for Republican and PF President His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu to contest the 2021 elections” (…) “We do not have time to waste in any meaningless debate in the aftermath of this court decision on the eligibility; but we are focused to deliver on development. That is what we were elected for. May I also take this opportunity to thank the ever increasing party membership across our nation for their zeal and spirit of brotherhood that permeates through the rank and file of the structures of the Patriotic Front” ( Hon. Davies Mwila – ‘PRESS STATEMENT ON THE LANDMARK DECISION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT REGARDING THE ELIGIBILITY OF REPUBLICAN AND PF PRESIDENT- HIS EXCELLENCY EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU TO CONTEST THE 2021 ELECTIONS’ 07.12.2018).

As seen by his own party, they were not playing games about it and gloating in the victory, as if it was a surprise that he would get another term. That was in the cards as there was no evidence of him stepping down or considering doing so. That is why they were so happy with the reasoning from the Constitutional Court which stated like this: “According to the concourt, President Edgar Lungu served for two years and not three years. “A term can only be considered for three years and not two years, President Lungu only served for two years. We therefore declare that he is eligible to contest the 2021 General election. “ stated the concourt” (Zambian Watch, 07.12.2018).

With that in mind, the first stepping stone, the first hurdle, the first giant leap towards Life Presidency has begun, as the President sealed his Third Term. The rest will be from now formalities. Now, we just have to await amendments and changes of the laws. To make him eligible again. As he cannot pull off the same trick to run again. Than, he has the whole time or the whole term.

We have seen this elsewhere and now we know, Lungu is in for the long-con, not the short-con. He is not leaving and anticipate to rule indefinitely. Nothing else seems unlikely. Especially today. Peace.

Zambia: UNPD – People Power, Our Power, Our Land (30.11.2018)

God’s time is the best and no man can change God’s calendar.A mango tree does not worry when the orange tree is producing fruits in it’s season.

We celebrate 20 years of UPND existence in our own way and God’s calendar in line with ‘People Power,Our Power,Our Land in the midst of economic and political struggle for a better Zambia.

God has been with us for these years to prevent and defend democracy from being buried by political vandals.

The party has grown and spread like fire to all parts of the country since the demise of the founding father the late Anderson Mazoka and may he rest in peace.

Had it not been for UPND to be in opposition under the wise leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and his visionary team, there was not going to be a strong voice to speak for the voiceless and the down trodden.

Zambians could have been fearing to exercise their democratic right.

It is worthy to celebrate the party’s existence and with Mr Hichilema’s courageous and visionary leadership including members sustaining the party under difficult times.

Without UPND in opposition Zambia could have been reversed to a one party state a long time ago.

And UPND has remained strong when other political parties within a space of one year died while others just continue existing on paper.

We have planted a strong political foundation for opposition political parties to survive.

Once in government; we shall provide condusive environment for any opposition political party to freely offer checks and balances as oppose to Patriotic Front who are always oppressing the opposition.

The slow movement of a lion doesn’t show weakness or being tired but calculated steps to get it’s prey.

We never went to the streets to fight our stolen victory but sought legal intervention because we respect the rule of law and trusting God to see us through.

It is not how fast one builds a house but how firm and strong it will be when the storm comes.

Happy 20 years of experience in opposition and now it’s time to run government with a vast experience of leadership from the opposition.

People Power,Our Power,Our Land!!

Issued by:
Neto Halwabala
UPND Deputy Spokesperson
Southern Province

Tanzania: Ministry of Health letter to USAID – “Re: Cancellation of Broadcasting of Radio and TV Sports for Family Planning” (19.09.2018)

Is President Magufuli afraid of statistics now?

The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and President John Pombe Magufuli who has done his to silence critics, media and opposition politicians. Now, he is starting to control the Education Sector or the Higher Education, as the ones doing surveys and research now with the amendment of the Written Laws and the Principal Acts, Amendment 31. which will stop you from publish any data without permission. Secondly, the same folks cannot publish the data- or statistics even if it truthful, when it differs with the official government data. Therefore, the truth always has to be similar to the government and not be separated from that.

The CCM and Magufuli must be afraid of what the NGOs and Higher Education are doing, as they want the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has to decide if their survey or study is even truthful compared to the numbers they have crunched. They are not accepting the works or the analysis of others. As they might find out that the beans-production isn’t as good as the CCM wants or even the inflation in the coastal region compared to Moshi.

That the ones publishing a statistics or data without the permission from the NBS will get a possible fine of 10 million shillings. They are really afraid of the statistics that doesn’t fit the narrative of CCM. They are already afraid of the Social Media, the bloggers and the newspapers, they have suspended people for writing songs and politicians for calling Magufuli a dictator. He really has to take the pulse on everything.

This shows how bad and how weak the President is. He cannot even trust the educational or the ones surveying the land, as they will belittle his ego and his reputation. He has to be the grandest man ever residing in Tanzania. Magufuli has to be praised and loved like a genius. Even if he is far from it. Is he afraid of academic researchers?

Have they shaded him so much, that the lack of economic progress or even keeping up with his own pledges, become so bad he has to secure the data the Higher Education and the NGOs are creating? Unless, they fit the narrative of the CCM?

That is what I am getting out of this. The Tanzanian government are afraid of researchers, NGOs and the educational surveys, that might find results that doesn’t fit the President and his party. That is why he has to say: “no, you cannot publish that”. That is what he is up too, because he cannot have statistics showing the reality, he needs numbers that are fitting him. Good to know how tin-skinned the man is. Peace.

President Magufuli how thin-skinned are you?

“Goebbels was in favor of free speech for views he liked. So was Stalin. If you’re really in favor of free speech, then you’re in favor of freedom of speech for precisely the views you despise. Otherwise, you’re not in favor of free speech.” – Noam Chomsky

President John Pombe Magufuli have now asked and an inquiry into the popularity of you as President. This was made by Twaweza in 2018, to show how his popularity have gone. Because of the reaction from the public. The results from the survey was negative going from in the 96% favorable in the 2016, but in 2018 it is down to 55%. So he had lost over 41% ratings as proven by their survey.

That is clearly insulting to the big-man and his thin-skinned ways, if your write articles questioning him. Expect your paper to closed, if your blogger expect to pay and ask for license. Therefore, the crack-down is continuing, even surveys done by NGOs and others are now under-fire. Radios closed, Musicians have been detained and fined for their message in their music. All voices under Magufuli is under question. He cannot manage anything else than praise.

I think early in his Presidency, everyone praised the Bulldozer, the man with plan and without any scruples. That has been proven, as papers, bloggers and radios has closed or lost license because of him. If they did say or write anything, they would end up in trouble. Even opposition MPs have been behind bars because of him.

That is maybe why the President is losing favor, maybe that is why people wasn’t celebrating the Union Day this 26^th April 2018. Magufuli ordered the military in the streets of the bigger cities as a showdown of his power. The President has clearly forgotten why he had popularity.

It is because he did the right thing, not all praising him and his actions, but seemingly for the betterment of Tanzania. That is why people loved his ways and his activity as the President. With time he has taken everything personal and also taken action against critics and closing the public space, also ability for them say out in various media houses and platforms.

Magufuli should listen to the likes of Chomsky, maybe then he would understand why I call him thin-skinned. The Tanzanian President cannot stomach criticism. That is proven with his action. He is a whiny little bitch, with lack of character and lack of leadership. If he had been a good leader, he would have listen learned something, not just directing and micro-managing. However, that is something he cannot carry. That is why he is losing popularity.

Because, why is it a problem to get the knowledge of losing popularity Mr. President?

Maybe, you should think of your ways, that people wasn’t celebrating Union Day should be worry itself. Because of your actions. It is time rekindle yourself and maybe even envision yourself in another spotlight.

You should take it and carry it. But your not, because your whining and attacking the free speech. Peace.

Tanzania: Massive military activity ahead of tomorrow’s opposition protest!

Today, there has been something out of the ordinary, today the military and police has taken over the streets of Dar Es Saalam, a day ahead of the planned demonstrations on Union Day. This is a collective effort of the government to shut-down dissidents. This is happening all over the republic. This the answer from the government run by President John Pombe Magufuli, who has had issues with anyone questioning him and critiquing him. Over time he has shown his true color and ways! 

Yesterday arrests of people behind the demonstrations:

“At least seven people have been arrested in Arusha for interrogations in connection with their role in possible political demonstrations across the country on 26 April 2018 (Union Day). The acting Regional Police Commander for Arusha, Mr Yusuph Ilembo, told journalists on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 that the arrests follow investigations conducted by the police force” (Juma, 2018).

Therefore, the precautions of the state is already involved, as the state whose now on the streets with guns, battalions of soldiers and such. To really signal, that demonstrations and protests are not allowed by this government.

As further reported:

“The Dar Special Zone police chief, Sweethbert Njwele told an association of bodaboda operators on Wednesday that ‘there will be no demonstrations’” (…) ‘‘Everybody should go about their work as they usually do,’‘ Njwele said” (…) “ The city’s deputy police boss, Yusuph Ilembo, told journalists that the “government will not allow an illegal protest being planned by a few people to destabilise the country”(Mumbere, 2018).

So today, they put up the anti, they pulled the guns. Not only arresting fellow people involved in arranging the protest, but also telling motorcycle taxis and the public in general. To stay away, while ordering the police and army to intervene.

There should be understanding from the government behind this arrests, as the window for free speech, freedom of expression and even dissident voices are oppressed. If a paper write negatively or against the president. It will be suspended, if someone write a song that has certain illegal messages in it, it will be banned from being broadcast on the radio. If an opposition MP says the truth about the President’s behavior. He will be detained and taken hostage by the government, before being served with new jail time. That is the state of affairs under Magufuli. This has been happening over time.

Magufuli went from being praise for his goodness and his acts against corruption. However, he control-freak and lack of integrity, real leadership skills and understanding of his role has President. Is evident in the actions against the ones planning to protest, also against the media, singers and opposition MPs, that has all tasted: “What Would Magufuli do?”. Well the answer is: “He would punish you!”.

It is with warning, the demonstrations and nationwide demonstrations, as the evident soldiers in the street and the Police warning the public. The truth of the dictatorial actions are already there, with how the government has pursuit people in the past year. Therefore, not expect a comfortable result tomorrow.

What we are seeing now, is a man that thinks he understand his role, but he doesn’t, instead of leading, he is ordering. Instead of delegating and working with consensus. Instead, everyone is supposed to sing his tune, dance to his steps and praise the glory of all the United Republic of Tanzania, President Magufuli. Peace.

Reference:

Juma, Mussa – ‘Tanzania: Seven Arrested Over Union Day Protests’ (24.04.2018) link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201804240687.html

Mumbere, Daniel – ‘’No protests tomorrow’: Tanzania police tells citizens to keep calm’ (25.04.2018) link: http://www.africanews.com/2018/04/25/no-protests-tomorrow-tanzania-police-tells-citizens-to-keep-calm/

The Paternalistic Tanzanian State wants to control all Content Online!

There are some leaders who has the need to control the media, to the levels of stupidity, some leaders cannot manage critics or even questions about their actions. That they continue to supress and silence the opposition. They get suspended the broadcasting licence, they get suspending from publishing their newspapers and even fellow politicians who comes with rhetorical questions can end behind bars. That is the truth of Tanzania under President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.

He has now taken it further, he is now charging fees for people for signing up content online, if you’re a blogger, it will cost 930 United States dollars any given year to do it. They have to be registered and on file to be able to write online. That would have costed me and I have been doing this for years. Clearly, Magufuli doesn’t like free spirits, unless they are all praising his narrow mind.

If the blog even causes “annoyances”, meaning if it insults the presumed intelligence of Magufuli, then the blog page will be suspended and taken down. The blogger/writer will not allowed to be published. This is a way of the state to sanction and control all written word. Also all content online and seek the ones who can afford to think on their own!

That is high price for a service, that if you have the basic packages of blogs, it doesn’t cost, unless you are paying for address and other extra services on the blog itself. Therefore, this is to secure that the ones with lack of funds cannot write online. This is to know exactly who writes and operates within the state and make sure publishers follows government guidelines. Just like they forcefully does to other media.

The Tanzanian Government under Magufuli has been relentless and ruthless to the media. Therefore, this is just the next step; they have banned songs from famous pop-stars already. Therefore, this is just the next move, to alter the media and alter the freedom of oppression. Now, the state can also have oversight and total control of the blogs, just as if they do with radio, TV and Newspapers. This will likely make it harder for people to start writing and question the government. Since, it is a big hurdle to have 930 US Dollars to pay the government to do so.

The free mind, the thinking minds and the ones questioning authorities online, will now you have to be registered there and they have an oversight role over you. The state will decide and grant you the permission to blog, podcast, and whatnot online. The paternal state is there and they are not subtle about it.

If you would be wise, would be to use VPN and register in whatever republic, nation or dominion, where the state cannot control you, but then again. You have to remember to use that trick to not be caught with IP Address and whatnot. That is if you are a free thinker and defiant in the mode of an over-controlling state. 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.