Tanzania: Response of the Embassy of the United Republic on the accusations raised by Hon. Tundu Lissu through DW News Africa (29.01.2019)

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Media release – EAC Passports (01.02.2019)

Opinion: Can’t Magufuli already create his One-Party State, instead of this charade?

Now it is official, the Political Parties Amendment of 2018 have come into law, giving the ruling party and ruling regime of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to take total control of all internal activities of the opposition. There are no misgivings in the United Republic of Tanzania, where opposition cannot hold press conferences or- hold civic meetings.

Therefore, the new legislation takes it further, as they are not allowed to be “Pressure Groups” or “Activist Groups”, this clearing the bar and securing the regime of non-opposing voices in the public sphere. As the opposition are already silenced by the current legislation as is.

With this new legislation, the state has to ensure what the Opposition Party teach and if they are allowed to do so. They have to ask permission and rights to do civic education and get it verified by the state registrar to do so. This means, the inner-acts of a party, will be monitored and followed by the state. The parties themselves cannot gather or acts as a single unit, without permission.

So, even holding an Internal Meeting has to be notified the government within 30 days before its hold and the State Registrar decides if they are allowed to do so. That shows how little democratic or even free the state is. When opposition parties have to beg the state to meet, they are already limited as is. But with this legislation, the CCM and President Joseph Magufuli gone ONE-PARTY STATE. Without actually saying it.

Will the CCM notify themselves about their activity and stop holding press conferences, stop notifying the public and holding meetings, rallies even? Didn’t think so, but the others parties of the United Republic can look forward to harsher treatment, and less of space. As their window of opportunities are dwindling and fast.

This because one man and one party cannot stomach criticism or even being questioned. If you do, expect jail time and fines. That is what Magufuli and CCM does.

This is limiting freedom, the opportunity to assemble and free speech. Not that any of that matters to the Untied Republic, as long as it has it saviour, crown-prince and the noblest of men in power, President Magufuli. Because nothing he does is wrong and nothing his party does is either. Just misunderstood.

Shiish. This is nonsense. This is oppressive, state legislation in yet another attempt to demote and kick the opposition to the curb. That is how afraid and how weak minded the CCM is. Because, they cannot see, the evil in this activity, but that is because this is not inflicted on them, but on the counterparty. Peace.

UN condemns killing of children in Njombe (29.01.2019)

The UN joins the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in condemning these heinous acts.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 29, 2019 –  The United Nations in Tanzania offers its deepest condolences to the families and communities of children who have been brutally murdered in Njombe over the last few weeks.

The attack and murder of children is unacceptable. Children have a fundamental right to be safe and be protected from violence so that they can enjoy their childhood and reach their full potential.

“The UN joins the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in condemning these heinous acts. As the UN, we stand ready to support the Government in their efforts to address the issue,” said Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania. “Additionally, we call upon all stakeholders to join hands to ensure that homes, schools and communities are safe spaces for children.”

Children are exposed to extreme forms of violence and exploitation in many parts of the world. “This has to stop,” said Ms. Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Representative in Tanzania. “No form of violence or abuse against a child is acceptable or permissible for any reason and any such act is an outright violation of their basic human rights.”

Tanzania: Restrictions on Advertisment of Gaming Activities (23.01.2019)

EAC Secretariat: “Re: 20th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State – 1st February, 2019 in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania” (10.01.2019)

Opinion: Magufuli is now the Big-Brother!

We are rapidly entering the age of no privacy, where everyone is open to surveillance at all times; where there are no secrets from government.” [Osborn v. United States, 385 U.S. 323, 341 (1966) (dissenting)]” – William O. Douglas

No matter where you are, where you go or what you do, President John Pombe Magufuli follows you. Especially, if he has appointed you. He does it, he says to ensure better working environment and results. Alas, however, this is surveillance tactics. Which are usually only done by People who has warrants and works on Criminal Investigations for ensuring espionage or even illegal activity of gangs and others. The President of Tanzania. Has gone total estranged with privacy, with respect of fellow human beings and are now wire-tapping or having surveillance of the fellow appointed people’s phones. So, if they write something he might not like or accept. He might fire them!

Here is a fragment of Edge, who has taken some from The Citizen (Tanzania):

““When I tracked the telephone message between Mwalimu and Chaula, I noticed a strain in their working relationship. So to make their quarrels stop, I decided to place them under the same ministry,” Magufuli is quoted by The Citizen as saying. Magufuli told the new appointees to take care because they will face more trials during their work “I’m watching you. These quarrels must stop,” he warned” (Edge.ug – ‘I tap texts of my ministers, says Magufuli’ 09.01.2019, link: http://edge.ug/2019/01/09/i-tap-texts-of-my-ministers-says-magufuli/.

He said he is watching you. Like a hawk, the man is following the steps of Stasi Apparatus, the sort of surveillance, that is ensuring that you have spies everywhere and anyone can tell on you. He follows the cellphones of his staff and his appointments, the cabinet members and government officials. If this isn’t insulting anyone, than its weird. No one should be kept under surveillance, unless there is probable cause of intent or crimes committed to prove the need for this.

It shouldn’t be a tool of an Executive, to ensure people are working like you should. If they don’t work like you want them. Tell them the protocol and procedures, explain how you want the working environment to be and ensure the staff together with the appointed follows all guidelines put in place. Don’t tap their phones, listen to conversations, read their messages and whatnot. That is just some nonchalant, disrespectful and disgraceful acts of spite, evading privacy and social protocol. Especially, since these people are supposed to be the trusted men and woman.

He proved today with his statements, that there is no-privacy, there is no forum undisclosed. He does this to his own. No matter, what reasons he gives. It is an insane idea. If these men or woman, was cartel/triad/mafia members of secretive gangster operation. I would have understood the surveillance on them and the need for following their telecommunication.

Alas, these people are government officials, who are the appointed people of the Head of State. Which, the Head of States is monitoring. That is just wrong. It would be wrong if he did it, because he could to anybody. This is the sort of disgraceful act, a President shouldn’t do, but apparently, he does and is proud of it too. Peace.

Burundi: Declaration du Gouvernment du Burundi Consecutive aux Differentes Reactiones des Acteurs Socio-Politiques Burundais aux Echanges de Correspondances entre le Presidents du Burundi et de l’Ouganda

Opinion: Is the EAC slowing breaking apart, because of Nkurunziza and Kagame?

Now for the second time within two months, there been a cancellation of the East African Community – Heads of State Summit, which was scheduled for the 30th November 2018 and the second one on the 27th December 2018. Now, the EAC Secretariat says its postponed.

The reality is that this bickering, this nail-biting between neighbors aren’t creating a better space for the civilians. This is showing a disregard for the citizens and the region in general. That Bujumbura has trouble with Kigali is clear. Also, that President Paul Kagame this week alone, said Rwanda had problems with two of their neighbors, but not the two other. That means, there are more issues within the EAC, than the EAC and the Heads of State want to play.

President Pierre Nkurunziza needs enemies outside now, since he has soon killed off everyone inside his fiefdom. He wants total control and own his Republic without any oversight or questioning from abroad, that is why he is silencing the media houses and the NGOs in Burundi. The Rwandan counterparts aren’t better, just more diplomatic, but we know the truth. That both regimes are tyrannical and despotic at best. They are not democratic dreams of nations, who cares about the liberty and freedom of their citizens. Therefore, they are both playing high stakes to look good, while making the other the enemy.

This while Tanzania, where the rising repressions are happening too, President John Pombe Magufuli are already getting questioned by all opposition parties and losing aid money. As his oppressive actions, his laws and his attitude towards dissidents. While he has a better relationship with EAC Chairman and figuring out better deals with Kenya.

The EAC Chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are not able to fix the issues between Nkurunziza and Kagame. He just want to look like the giant and the grand-pa everyone is supposed to trust. He speaks with double tongue, as he speaks of dialogue, but torture and arrest his opposition.

The one outside the current squabble and drama between the states are Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who clearly waiting for another big scandal back-home and also a PR Stunt to cover it up. The Kenyan have had trade wars and challenges with both Uganda and Tanzania. But during the last two years, these has been more or less solved. As Kenyatta want to be integrated and get the trade done between the Republics.

Now, as we are soon clocking into 2019. The EAC integration, the EAC as an idea is dwindling in value. As the Heads of State Summits is not valued. The EAC are not able to fix the current headaches or even talk. The Burundian government are fighting it and making the Rwandan counterpart the scare-crow. While not looking into it self and what it does. Because the President and CNDD-FDD are not willing to really support the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, where Museveni also is the sponsor of it.

Not that Kagame mind all of this, even as the Chairman of the African Union (AU). It is like he doesn’t mind, the issues with Burundi. That it doesn’t stress him, as he can do whatever and do PR stunts to make him look good abroad. Even as he is a tyrannical son-of-a-bitch. No one should undermine that fact, only the blind sees it different or the ones bought by his swagger. But I don’t get caught into that mess.

With the years of crisis in Burundi, the lack of new protocol or even measures that matters. The Burundian government have decided to pull further away. Just like they do with international bodies within the Republic. The EAC is just a body who will meddle and Nkurunziza doesn’t want that. He wants to be the overlord. That is why this is happening.

Kagame will try to look innocent, but he is far from it. He has dozens of sins and blood on his hands. Even if he haven’t done anything in this manner, even if he is the guy that has supported militias to attack outside Rwanda in the past. He has the ability, but no proof at this moment. Just a likely figure to act like this and therefore, the CNDD-FDD tries to fool itself to an enemy. While Museveni are not able to configure or even bypass these problems. Without looking like fool, who cannot even get the men to talk and discuss the matters like men. Peace.

Tanzania: Zanzibar Declaration (18.12.2018)

A Joint Declaration by Leaders and Senior Membersof Six Opposition Parties who met in Zanzibar on 16th – 18th December, 2018 to deliberate on the State of Democracy in the United Republic of Tanzania

WE, the leaders and senior members of the undersigned six political parties, have met here in Zanzibar from 16th to 18th December, 2018 in order to reflect, discuss and agree on our common vision for the future of democracy in the United Republic of Tanzania. The historic meeting here in Zanzibar is a reflection of the extent to which the democratic and human rights situation in our country has changed, thereby leading to unprecedented actions on our side in response. Keenly missed during the discussions have been our two colleagues, the Leader of Official Oppostion, Hon. Freeman Mbowe and the Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Union Parliament, Hon. TunduLissu, one of whom is languishing in prison and the other recovering from an assassination attempt. Both of them gave their blessings to this meeting.

WE recognise that Tanzania is facing backsliding of democracy, with all signs pointing to institutionalization of an authoritarian rule that ignores political, social and economic rights of our people. This trend began with the annulment of October 25, 2015 Zanzibar general elections after it became clear that the Civic United Front (CUF) was heading towards a decisive victory. The move was then followed by banning of live coverage of parliamentary proceedings, banning of legitimate political activitites of opposition parties, kidnappings, abductions, and arbitrary arrests of people, notablypolitical leaders and activists, journalists and business people, assassination attempt against our fellow opposition leader and outspoken member of parliament, Hon. Tundu Lissu and absolute refusal of the state to investigate the matter in a purposeful and concrete manner; passing of repressive laws such as the Media Services Act, the Statistics Act, the NGO regulations and the Bill for Political Parties (Amendments) Act.

WE recognise that, despite constitutional protections ofmultiparty system, the state is currently waging an openwar against opposition political parties. It is becoming a norm nowadays to hear state leaders and their supportersbranding opposition politicians and government critics as unpatriotic and that they are “foreign agents” and “imperialist stooges”. The crusade against critics of the regime has spared no one in the country from the media, civil society organisations, farmers, fishermen, pastoralits, the business community, trade unions and workers, faith leaders, the diplomatic corps, women and girls, and even critical CCM members.

WE are saddened by the crumbling state of our economy which affects the vulnerable and the poor in our society. In spite of the attempts by the regime to spin the situation, we feel it is imperative to publicly and openly state that within the space of three years the country has seen the reversal of even the little achievements that were registered in economic performance. The economic meltdown that this regime has brought will take at least a decade before it can recover and begin to provide for our citizens’ economic opportunities as required for by the constitution. The situation is no longer tolerable. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

WE recognise that it is our responsibility as leaders and as citizens of this country to save our country from this state and safeguard our democracy that meets the needs and aspirations of our people.

WE declare that time has come to renew our commitment and strengthen our solidarity in pursuing a national agenda against rising authoritarianism, an agenda that goes beyond individual interests of our parties. This will require courage to withstand the onslaught that we will face from the regime, firmness in our solidarity when attempts will be made to break it, and commitment towards inviting and incorporating other potential allies as equals in this movement.

WE declare that Freeman Mbowe and Esther Matiko,who are currently held in remand prison, are political prisoners and should be released immediately. We will engage in a concerted campaign to ensure that all political prisoners in Tanzania are either released or given access to justice and a free and fair due process of the law.

WE reiterate our stance that the imposed government of Zanzibar is unconstitutional and lacks mandate from the people. The results of the 2015 annulled election was a clear proof that CUF has won all the elections in Zanzibar since 1995 and that they have been prevented from ascending to power through state machinations and reversing of the will of the electorate. Time has come to restore electoral justice in Zanzibar.

WE pronounce that 2019 is a year of reclaiming our democracy and taking back our powers and rights as enshrined within the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Constitution of Zanzibar and other enabling pieces of legislation. We will hold public rallies in any and all corners of the United Republic of Tanzania. We will not allow an unconstitutional and unlawful order to restrict us to our individual constituencies. If the government is threatened by us exercising our constitutional rights, we dare them to take us to court.

WE declare that we will unanimously embrace all citizens and all social and economic groups in the country willing to conquer their fears and join the grand coalition that we envisage to defend our democracy. We vow that we will no longer be silenced or intimidated; we will no longer succumb to the state sanctioned violence against our individual and collective rights and entitlements. We commit ourselves to taking this message of freedom to all our fellow leaders, constituents, and allies and support them in taking action, whether small or large, as a symbol of solidarity.

We resolve to form a Joint Committee that, among other things, will work with the likeminded individuals and groups to draw a comprehensive programme to reclaim our democratic and civil rights.

1. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad – Secretary Genaral, CUF​
2. James Francis Mbatia – National Chairperson, NCCR Mageuzi​
3. Oscar Emanuel Makaidi – National Chairperson, NLD​
​4. Salum Mwalimu – Deputy Secretary General – Zanzibar, CHADEMA​
​5. Hashim Rungwe Spunda – National Chairman, CHAUMMA​
6. Kabwe Z. Ruyagwa Zitto – Party Leader, ACT Wazalendo​

Zanzibar
December 18, 2018