Kabendera is free: However two articles published right before [his arrest] shows why he was detained…

Erick Kabendera, the freelance investigative journalists who was arrested on the 30^th July 2019. Whose been in jail ever since. First they looked into his citizenship, which was a non-started. Than later he was charged with Money Laundering, tax-evasion and criminal racketeering. That happen later in the year. Since, then he has been detained until 24^th February 2020 as he paid a bond of a hefty sum of $125k US Dollars.

Before his kidnap, arrest and detaining of him. He had written two big articles questioning the CCM and President Magufuli. Both of these articles was in The East African. Like on the 6^th July 2019 ‘Electoral body now moves to seal the fate of Lissu’ writes this:

“But, irrespective of the outcome of his push for his reinstatement, political pundits say Mr Lissu’s return to the country will likely currently limping from the effects of a campaign to close all political space and shut all avenues for anyone to mount a credible challenge against President Magufuli for the presidency next year” (Erick Kabendera, 06.07.2019).

Later in the month before his arrest, this was co-written with Christopher Kidanka in The East African, which is titled ‘Could Tanzania’s Magufuli second term bid face opposition?’ on the 20^th July 2019. Where he states this:

“Former CCM secretaries-general Abrahman Kinana and Yusuf Makamba last week issued a letter alleging a plot by powerful people in government seeking to frame former CCM and government leaders for treason. The letter has attracted counteraccusations from President Magufuli’s loyalists who stand by their claims. The president’s supporters accuse former party leaders, including the authors of the letter, of ganging up to undermine the party and go against its tradition of allowing two terms in office for the presidency.” (Kabendera & Kidanka, 20.07.2019).

Clearly, these sort of reporting is humiliating to the President Magufuli whose expected to be praised to stars, the moons and the above the skyline. The CCM is supposed to be unison and follow the President blindly. That’s why Kabendera’s articles are earth shattering. Because, this is the sort of written scoops, President Magufuli doesn’t want to have out.

He wants headlines of brilliance, greatness and be the glorified bulldozer. The man who makes changes, big-business and generate wealth for the United Republic. He doesn’t want to look foolish, ignorant or stupid. Neither does he want any dissent in the CCM party. That is why these two articles are a reminder of what Magufuli hates and had to make-up charges to get Kabendera behind bars. Peace.

Tanzania: CCM leaves the Continental Human Rights Court, which is located in Arusha!

The United Republic of Tanzania revoked or withdraw from the African Charter and the Protocol, which states their membership and the possible rights for trying cases from the state its located in. This means the African Court on Human Rights, which was opened in 2004 and based on the “Banjul Protocol” from the year of 1993. Therefore, the Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) are leaving the Courts after its been existing for 15 years on its own soil.

That’s why its rich for all other African Countries to ratify and be apart of this, when the one state where the Courts are, doesn’t have a mandate to investigate and follow up cases. As the CCM and the United Republic of Tanzania withdraws from the Court connected to the “Banjul Protocol” on Human Rights. That is how faulty and week it is. As it sent its declaration signed on the 14^th November 2019 and delivered to the African Union by the Permanent Mission to the African Union (AU) on the 21^st November 2019.

This is what stipulation they used:

“4. For any State Party ratifying or acceding subsequently, the present Protocol shall come into force in respect of that State on the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification or accession.

5. The Secretary-General of the OAU shall inform all Member States of the entry into force of the present Protocol.

6. At the time of the ratification of this Protocol or any time thereafter, the State shall make a declaration accepting the competence of the Court to receive cases under article 5 (3) of this Protocol. The Court shall not receive any petition under article 5 (3) involving a State Party which has not made such a declaration. 7. Declarations made under sub-article (6) above shall be deposited with the Secretary-General, who shall transmit copies thereof to the State parties” (Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1993).

So, now the Tanzanian government withdraw themselves from the Banjul Protocol. They have now left the Court, which is located in Arusha. Until CCM did this, it was 26 countries, where the cases could be heard from here, but now its 25. that is really rich from the President and the government there. It is like the United States withdrawing from the United Nations, which has its Headquarters in New York or the French leaving the European Court of Human Rights, which is located in Strasbourg, France.

The CCM left now and has withdrawn itself from the “Banjul Charter” because this state doesn’t want to answer to their crimes against humanity, against the oppression or their acts which limits the citizens their freedom, liberties and possible opportunities to assemble.

That’s why the CCM leaves this court, because its afraid to answer to their actions against their own. They cannot manage to be questioned or investigated, if any citizen or party petition a case and the Courts cannot investigate, since the state has withdrawn. The Court can do this in 25 states, but not in Tanzania where its located.

This Court should be moved from Arusha, Tanzania. It is located in a Republic where the “Banjul Protocol” is ratified and followed. Because, apparently that is not happening anywhere in the United Republic. That ship has sailed under President Magufuli and his team. Peace.

Tanzania: A continued crackdown on media…

If the Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) and President Joseph Magufuli got done with his actions against the media. There might been slow days and also better broadcasting, as the state and the authorities are arresting journalists, revoking licenses and suspending media houses for days. If their reporting or their stories isn’t in the same vision as the President. That is just measure and reasoning for all the activity that has been done during the reign of Magufuli. His track-record on this matter, speaks for itself and the ones hurt it, are either in jail or at unknown locations, because government take them away and they haven’t been seen again.

So, the onslaught against unfavourable reporting, articles and statements on-air is steady from this regime. It exposure to the reality of people thinking for themselves and making up opinions is such a vast challenge. That the ones collecting data and making statistics, even needs the anointing spirits of the President to publish it. Nothing that is written or said, should hurt his pride and his achievements, even if it means trading-off bad deals to save his shallow mind.

In this regard, after rigging an election and not celebrating it. The Tanzanian government feels a bit hurt by the reporting on the subject of local government elections. They thought it should be celebrated and be grandest elections of them all. Even if the process to it, was flawed, open bazaar of unopposed candidates and a cluster-fuck of “multi-party” democracy. Which made the CCM become superior beyond any doubt. Because, they ran against none of serious challenge and if they were, than it was the ghosts of Christmas past. Therefore, the reporting on this matter, is now called fake-news, even if the CCM is faking it all on their own.

First the attack on the media owners and who they hire:

“Through a notice published in the daily Tanzanian government Newspaper by the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority ( TCRA), the media owners who will fail up to acknowledge and heed to the act will be fined or have their licenses withdrawn as stipulated in the law. “Those who don’t heed to this warning will be fined or have their licenses revoked as stipulated in the law,” the notice from Tanzanian Communication Regulatory Authority read” (Howwebiz.ug – ‘Magufuli: No More Jobs For Djs And Comedians On Radio and TV in Tanzania’ 28.11.2019).

Then the attack post elections 2019:

““Some news outlets in the country have been approached, used and act as agents in spreading fake news, rumours and propaganda against our country from international organisations and representatives of foreign countries” reads one of the tweets. Mr Abbas accused journalists of neglecting the principles of their profession by failing to fact-check. “The government has made enough explanation, given enough warnings and enough pardons. Now we will take stern legal measures,” he added” (The East African – ‘Tanzania in fresh crackdown on freedom of the media’ 30.11.2019).

Surely, the CCM wants good press, but that under fear, that if the Media Houses, the broadcasting companies and the ones writing isn’t writing what they like; they will loose their licenses and their rights to broadcast. Certainly, they will stop the press, the publishers and the block their pages. They will have their content deleted and silence the ones who says the wrong thing.

No DJ or Comedian should joke on-air or on Twitter for that matter. No one should write anything that insults the CCM nor its President. Because his the grandest head of state, the magnificent human being who self impose himself everywhere. His so wise and has such a grandeur of a spirit, that he will excel straight to heaven. Just by him breathing and speaking, he will make wounds heal and make bank-accounts pregnant. That is just what the President and CCM does.

I’m just kidding about that, but if the CCM want positive headlines. Want a favourable press and get coverage, which it deems fit. Maybe they should act more righteous and not block the opposition. Maybe not arrest comedians and investigating journalists. Maybe if the CCM and the President doesn’t want foreign bad press. Maybe let the opposition be able to field candidates, hold rallies, press conferences and do party work without needing prior acceptance from state authorities. There should be measures and levels of registrations of political work and parties, but into these superficial levels, which has been created under Magufuli. Wonder if the CCM could have managed to run the country, if they had to answer to the same arrangements and protocol that the ACT Wazeledo and CHADEMA. I doubt that!

So, with this in mind. I stop it here, but lets be clear. Magufuli fear the written word, he fears the press and the ones reporting on him. Because, people are just supposed follow the script of him and his CCM. If you don’t, your malicious and devious to damage his calm. Peace.

Tanzania: Statement of Kwanza Online TV Following the Decision of the Content Committee of the Tanzania Regulatory Authority regarding allegations of Violation of Regulations (28.09.2019)

The Tanganyika Law Society: Press Release – Re: TLF Governing Council Statement Powers of the Chief Justice and High Court Judges to suspend Advocates under the Advocates Act Cap 341 RF 2002 (26.09.2019)

Tanzania: Sebastian Atilio gets into trouble by revealing to much

President John Pombe Magufuli is already someone you don’t cross or question. His the almighty overlord, that you just love and cherish. His the brightest and most unique leader ever to live on planet earth. Why do I know that, because everyone who writes critical of him or has expose of his government ends behind bars(!!).

That is why Magufuli is so special. The Tanzanian bulldozer and correctional officer, who checks if people are on probation or following protocol to do their profession. If they fail a piss-test or doesn’t write the stories he want. Be sure that you’ll end behind bars.

There are several journalists who has been behind bars and are awaiting final court dates. As the state a revamp on silencing critics. It doesn’t matter if your an MP, radio DJ or freelance writer. No, if you cross the path of CCM and Magufuli, expect the full fury.

Sebastian Atilio is the latest victim, as he was arrested on the 7^th September 2019 for spreading “fake news”. He wrote a story, exposing that the state was giving (relocating villagers) land to accomodate Uniliver Tea. That was clearly a story, that the CCM didn’t want in the press.

Now that they have arrested and detained Atilio, this story will be known and the questions will now arise. Since, it is more likely that the company was approved to move the villagers from their land.

Because, not so long ago, Mr. President was saying this: “We have been moving backwards due to undue bureaucracy in some of government executives, leading to delays in achieving the envisaged goals, I therefore call upon all the government executives to avoid bureaucracy in executing their duties” (Tanzania Daily News . ‘Tanzania: Unilever Tanzania Impresses Magufuli’ 11.04.2019).

So, seemingly he would make it for the company to operate in Tanzania and generate more money. Since he wanted this earlier in the year. So, anticipate that the efforts done earlier has effects now. Especially, when someone shows the real actions made to prepare and ensure that Unilever Tea get more space to grow and to facilitate their new factory. That would make sense, actually common sense.

We are just seeing another victim of the state. Another journalist into trouble for exposing the rot, the corruption and the inner-works of the Magufuli administration. Peace.

Re-Return of DCI Athumani: His either a magician or a bouncing ball!

President John Magufuli was sworn-in on the 5^th November 2015 months before DCI Diwani Athumani Msuya was appointed into the position of DCI. This was a roll-over of personnel, which is natural in the civil service. That Athumani was someone that Jakaya Kikwete had vetted and ensured he was fit for the job. However, with the scandals ringing with ivory trade, the President wanted to show some finesse and re-assigned him after 1,5 years after the appointment and 11 months into the Presidency.

What is unique, is the way his name been ringing and having various of high ranking officials. What I wonder about, is how his gone from not being good enough, to get re-appointed for the same job. That is just weird, if the President thinks people forget.

A short story a re-return:

Diwani Athumani Msuya was appointed to the position of Director of Criminal Investigations in May 2015, by the previous President Jakaya Kikwete. In late October 2016, the current President John Magufuli fired him and gave him a new position. When he was three weeks later appointed Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS). A position he kept to until 6^th September 2018, he got appointed the Director General of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). A position he kept of a year, as he was re-appointed today on the 12^th September 2019, as the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

Clearly, Magufuli cannot make his mind up concerning this fella. Since, his a bouncing ball, who bounces everywhere as the President see fit. That is natural as the President has the powers to appoint and assess the needed personnel. Therefore, the his either a failure or a clean-up guy. Who the President sends around to various of places to fix things. If not the President is taken the public for fools.

Since, there is always speculations, when someone fires or revokes an appointment of the predecessor to a vital position in the Republic. Surely, he must have swift finger and a magical touch. That must be true, as Athumani haven’t been long in any institution since appointed DCI the first time. His been in positions for close to a year at every office. That is very short time to know protocol, know the station and the duties of this office. Therefore, his either a magician or a whipping boy of the President.

I cannot figure that out. Since, he moves so swiftly. His not in a steady place, because the President offers him new offices and new work. The instability and erratic behaviour of the President is surely mocking him. If the President honoured him and his place in the Republic. He would have given him to succeed as the DCI.

So for me there is something else. There something missing, but I cannot touch it, because I don’t have the missing piece of the puzzle. Peace.

Tanzania: Yet another journalist is arrested by the authorities

This is becoming to common, too many journalists and opposition activists are getting detained. This is happening so frequently, that you cannot even keep up with the ones already behind bars. That is how serious the CCM and President Magufuli is vamping up the arrests.

The recent one was yesterday, as journalist Haruna Mapunda as he was gathering information about the opening of the ACT-Wazelendo Branch in Temeke, Temeke district. His been since been detained at the Chang’ombe Police Station in Dar es Salaam, where his people have tried to bail him out. But the authorities will not allow that, as the authorities plans to sentence him on Wednesday in the up-coming week.

This is yet another one in the mass of journalists, writers and others whose been detained, arrested and silenced by the authorities by the CCM under Magufuli. It is nearly the worst profession, except for actually being an opposition leader. Than, you can get into the same amount of trouble for doing your job. If you are questioning or revealing certain secrets. You get into trouble and will be pinned for something. That is just what they do, manufacture charges, because your insulting the intelligence of the CCM. They cannot accept that in 2019.

They have to be cuddled, loved and cherished. Not questioned or shown their true character. Since that is a profound message, a incredible dogma, that only the anointed and the trusted personnel are supposed to get. The rest are supposed to blind supporters and yes-men, who doesn’t have capacity to think for themselves. If they do, do it in silence or behind closed doors, where you sure your grievances isn’t in public. If they are, then your in trouble and Mr. Officer will knock on your door. Peace.

Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa (FCAEA): Statement (24.08.2019)

Tanzania: LHRC – Legal Opinion on the Arrest of Erick Kabendera and Press Freddom in Tanzania (16.08.2019)