Tanzania: Loliondo land-grab – Hon. Masauni claims it is Kenyan migrants fault…

“Engineer Masauni challenged immigration officers at all exit and entry points, to be extra vigilant in curbing such illegal entries into Tanzania. “The immigration department should come up with effective strategies to control such an increasing trend, which is likely to jeopardise our peace and security,” directed Masauni, shortly before inspecting the ongoing exercise of demarcating the 1,500 square kilometers of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area (LGCA)” (…) “The Minister’s directive comes in the wake of reports of immigrants from neighboring countries who take advantage of long porous borders to enter and operate illegally in Tanzania. Engineer Masauni said that there have been reports of illegal immigrants entering the country, singling out the Loliondo area as a worst case scenario, where hundreds herds of cattle have been found grazing within the LGCA, threatening the Serengeti-Ngorongoro ecosystem” (Edward Qorro – ‘Tanzania: Immigration Tasked to Intensify Border Security’ 15.06.2022, Tanzania Daily News).

Let’s be perfectly clear… this is excuses. The main culprit is the Tanzanian state and the authorities who has sold land to a foreign company, which wants to use that for trophy hunting and game-drives. That is the Tanzanian government trading away ancestral territories for a Middle Eastern Company. This is what is happening to the Masaai land and the Loliondo areas.

Where the state has brutally displaced people and used violent means to do so. People are arrested and taken away for defending their rights to live on the land. Now, the authorities and the Minister blaming immigration and making up a false problem. Where the Tanzanian government claims the Kenyan government is allowing illegal migration and undocumented people from their bordering territories. That is really saying something…

The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) should self-reflect on their own actions and what they are really doing. It is their interests over a historical and indigenous land, which is their responsibility to protect. Instead they are serving the interests of the tourism industry and one company. That is really compelling and telling. The interest is the common good, but a quick buck on selling out traditions and exploiting that.

The Tanzanian government cannot come with excuses like this. That should get pushback from Nairobi and the Jubilee Party. There is a need for President Uhuru Kenyatta to call President Samia Suluhu. Especially, when the Hon. Hamad Masauni, the Minister of Home Office has been saying this to the media. He is coming with allegations, which is blaming Kenya for the trouble in the border region of Tanzania.

However, everyone with some common sense. It is the land-grabbing and the internal conflicts, which is the reason. If the Tanzanian government had respected the indigenous land and not sold it. That’s the reason for the aftermath and all the pushback. This is very easy, but the CCM is making it very hard.

Hon. Masauni is speaking out of line. Since their actions is actually causing migrations from Tanzania to Maasai territory on the other side of border into Kenya. Therefore, it would be fair for Kenya to speak of the refugees and fleeing Maasai brothers who fled the brutal eviction in the Loliondo area. That’s saying something and the Tanzanian government isn’t the victim.

The Maasai people of the Loliondo area are the victims and the hurt ones here. The CCM is the one who profits on the misery of the Maasai people. Just so a Middle Eastern company can get territories to show the beauty of Tanzania. A beauty that was destroyed for the ones who actually resided there… Peace.

Tanzania: Loliondo land-grab – When tourism beats the ownership of indigenous land…

“The Tanzanian government is intending to resume the eviction of about 70,000 Maasai community in Loliondo to make room for trophy hunting and elite tourism. The move, which will involve dispossessing over 70,000 Maasai pastoralists of 1500sq km of their ancestral land. This is aimed at creating room for Ortello Business Company, a hunting firm owned by the United Arab Emirates’ royal family, as part of investment for the government” (Western Nyota TV, 13.06.2022).

The Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) don’t care and isn’t concerned with the rule of law. As the commercial interests of the tourism industry and a foreign investors involvement matters more. That’s why Maasai territories are now possibly evicted for the sole purpose of an investor making a game-drive. So, that the animals can be seen by foreigners visiting and ensuring profits to the state coffers.

That’s done without the consent of the Masaai people or their ancestral rights to territories in question. This is why they have been demonstrating, because the state is violently and brutally evicting them from their homeland. Just so one investor can have a safari company and game-drive in the area. That’s really not developing, but ceasing territory for man’s pleasure and his company.

“According to reliable information received by IWGIA, the Tanzanian state is currently moving ahead to grab 1,500 km2 of ancestral and legally registered village land belonging to the Maasai Indigenous people in the Loliondo division of Ngorongoro District in northern Tanzania. This land grab will forcefully evict the Maasai from their land. This is happening despite the fact that the East African Court of Justice is expected to issue a ruling on this matter on 22 June 2022. On 7 June 2022, a paramilitary group of around 700 people (mainly police, park rangers, military and other security forces) arrived in Loliondo to demarcate the 1,500 km2 area of land as a Game Reserve1. This land is the ancestral land of the Maasai people who have formalized land tenure rights to this land as per the Village Land Act No.5 of 1999. The demarcation of this land as a Game Reserve will effectively dispossess the Maasai people of their ancestral land since people and livestock will not be allowed to live in a Game Reserve” (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) – ‘Urgent Alert: New serious threats towards the Maasai people of Loliondo in Tanzania’ 13.06.2022).

“Over 100,000 Maasai are facing a forcefully eviction from their ancestral land in Loliondo and Ngorongoro, Tanzania Maasai have been living in Lolondo and Ngorongoro before Tanzania gained independence. The eviction is purely to making way for Trophy Hunting” (Tanzania Leaks, 13.06.2022).

This here shouldn’t be accepted and people should speak out on the matter. It isn’t righteous and fair. Clearly it is injustice, pure and simple. Tanzanian authorities and state is doing practically a land-grab and with violent means to get their way. This eviction isn’t done with measures of fairness or compensation. No, these are people who is violently removed and evicted from their territories, which have been theirs for generations.

That the Tanzanian authorities are doing this and using all sorts of violent ways. Just shows the world how unjust this is. The CCM and the President knows this as they are just serving a Middle Eastern company “prime-real-estate” for safari and a game-drive. That’s why they are doing this and showing the lack of care or concern for the people who belongs in this territory.

If CCM and the President wanted a favourable look. This wasn’t it. They are just displaying brutality and what they do for some cheap coins. Peace.

Tanzania: ACT Wazalendo – Attention to the Public and Media: Ongoing crisis in Loliondo (12.06.2022)

Tanzania: President Hassan appoints a Task-Force to guide public rallies for political parties…

““The task force which consists of 24 members, which is directly answerable to the President, presented the resolutions at the State House in Dodoma. The resolutions are divided into three implementation timelines,” reads the statement said. The statement said the short-term resolution was the drafting of regulations that would guide how to conduct public rallies for political parties. “Some of the med-term resolutions include corruption and ethics during elections, subsidies, civic education, while issues pertaining to the new constitution are in the long-term plan.”” (The Citizen – ‘New Regulations now to guide political rallies’ 12.03.2022).

The Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) are the majority party and the laws that has been passed and implemented. During the years of the late President Joseph Magufuli the laws for the media, political parties and others was severely changed to block and monitor them. The state are now allowed to monitor most of the political parties and their every move. They cannot issue certain political material, conferences or even gatherings without the consent of the authorities.

That’s why today’s statement and announcement of a Task-Force to look into this is significant. It is a right step into the possible positive direction. While we all know what the CCM is capable of and there will be loyalist of the cause in the Task-Force. There are also opposition members and members from the Law Societies of Tanzania. Therefore, it is a huge deal.

I reckon this as a positive step though I am taking it with a grain of salt. As there are opportunities and ways to make the changes stall. Heck, there might be made aware of technicalities or hurdles, which states it impossible to change things. We know the laws amended in the previous term and by joint legislations. That was how several of laws made more hostile and impossible for the political parties to operate.

That Samia Suhulu Hassan does this could bring changes, which is needed. Especially, if she is willing and the CCM to make it a level playing-field for all the political parties. As of today, the CCM has massive powers and can use the authorities to strangle the other parties. They can stipulate and block the other political parties from operating. Since, their actions can be deemed illegal or a “danger” to society. Therefore, the CCM can change this, but then it’s up the Parliament and President to make it happen.

This Task-Force can deliver reports and amendments, which can be implemented. However, that is up to the majority rule and the President. I don’t know… if that will happen or if this is a publicity stunt. That’s how it can look from the outside, but we can be hopeful that something substantial will happen now.

The CCM can do the right thing here. President Hassan is on the right path here, but that is living on hope. A Task-Force can deliver a product and it can easily be dismissed or never implemented. There are several reports and such planned legislation that can easily be buried by the Head of State. Therefore… the President has a final say and CCM has now an opportunity to make a difference. Where they are actually … make it possible and open the space for the political parties in the United Republic. That’s what we can hope for and now we have to wait and see. Peace.

Tanzania: Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) – Economic Case No. 16. of 2021 – Nolle Prosequi (04.03.2022)

Tanzania: A handshake of hope or despair?

Yesterday in Brussels was an unique day after a hostile election and aftermath, which the opposition has been in distress. Where the political parties haven’t been allowed to organize or even being viable. As the state has targeted CHADEMA and ACT-Wazelendo after the elections, which late President Joseph Magaufuli won.

Now, his successor President Samia Suluhu Hassan has met with the main Opposition Presidential Candidate Tundu Lissu who fled for exile after the election in 2020. It was clear to him that there was no relief or chances for a peaceful living after the polls. The Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) is overbearing and controlling the political space. Therefore, the ruling regime has it’s hands everywhere. That is obvious and the brutal truth in the United Republic of Tanzania.

The handshake is either a token of hope for reconciliation or creating a false belief of an open space. As the political leaders are talking and the possible negotiations. Since CHADEMA leaders are behind bars and so other political activists too. The state has used the law and the security agencies to target and silence it’s critics. That’s why even the talk of amending or changing the constitution has been deemed as a violation and reason to charge political leaders.

It is not like the era of freedom of speech or liberty to speak is at an all time high. The political parties are monitored, media is muffled and the state has their hands into everything. There is nothing they are not looking into and the political parties cannot operate without a go-sign from the government to have conferences or gatherings. Therefore, the CCM is the paternalistic organization, which deems everyone fit or unfit to whatever they propose.

The handshake and the pictures are a symbol of hope. While the laws, the strict affairs in Tanzania haven’t changed anything. The security agencies and the police will still hassle or go after the ones who dares to challenge the President. That’s why she has even suspended party press, which went out with news that it didn’t deem right.

I’m taking the news with caution. It’s too early to celebrate… when you know how the authorities has gone after dissidents, political leaders and journalists in the recent years. Tundu Lissu knows all of this and he cannot give way yet. If so… his selling the causes early and without proof of changing attitudes.

The laws are still the same and the authorities haven’t lost it’s spark. The President and the CCM needs to extend and olive branch, which it did in Brussels. However, it has to make a significant change in the United Republic to really matter. As there are victims of the political power-play and the usage of law, which isn’t only Freeman Mbowe, but his the symbol of the oppression in the Republic.

President Samia has to prove it now. It’s in her court and she has to open up. That will be painful and has to drop the guards down. However, Lissu shouldn’t sell himself short. Since he has paid the price to stand up against this government.

A handshake should never be enough, but it’s a nice symbol to buy time for possible change. Peace.

Opinion: Is Zitto eyeing Shaka or Msigwa’s Office?

In the recent days there has been something weird about Zitto Kabwe, the party leader of Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo). Who has been extremely defensive and standing his ground for the wrong utterings of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as she deliberately or by mistake uttered some wrong figures in the New Years Eve Address.

If this had been the Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) party’s Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Shaka Hamdu Shaka. That would have made sense. It is Shaka’s role to make the President look smart and defend her craft. It is the work of the ruling party and the appointed leaders in the Ministry of Finance or the Bank of Tanzania to address the misgivings of the President. You wouldn’t think a critic, an opposition and a supposed rival would defend her. However, Zitto did and he has done to a T.

Kabwe have even used the moral argument and the discussion technique of making it smaller than it is. While also implying that this mistake isn’t important or that vital to begin with. As it doesn’t matter, if the countries foreign exchange is in the millions or the billions. It doesn’t matter if the government spending in the billions or the trillions. That is just a typo… that just how to make a mockery of an attempt to hold the Executive and the Head of State accountable. As she should deliver true numbers and figures. Everyone cannot fact-check and see if the figures are right in a report. That is the gist of it.

I would have also understood this reasoning coming from Director of Information Services and Chief Government Spokesperson of Tanzania, Gerson Msigwa. Who would also defend the CCM and the President. His role and job is to praise works of the government and it’s entities. Just lkike Shaka does as a party official. Alas, both of these gentlemen does what Zitto just did the last few days of the new year.

Maybe it’s tiring to be on the barricades of the opposition in Tanzania. Anyone can oppose and be as blunt as Freeman Mbowe or Tundu Lissu. Someone has to be more gentle and read the room. Maybe that’s the role of Kabwe now. His the gentle spirit and the friendly fire fellow. Who only wants to speak of bigger things like unemployment, poverty and other matters. Since, showing or talking about wrong figures doesn’t matter. Seriously, how can you be this daft?

If you allow without correction things like these. Then your short-sighted defences will backfire, as you have become a crony and a man seeking for office. Instead of actually trying to show yourself to be different from the current regime. There will be no difference with Kabwe or President Hassan. It will be more of the same and nothing ever changes. Just a continuation of CCM and with a ACT Wazalendo banner instead.

I don’t get why Zitto does this and to what gains? To prove that he will defend the government and it’s President? But at what cost and to what extent? Is this how he works as opposition or has he lost the plot? Is it too much pressure and it’s better to become compromised? What gives? I just wonder… because this is weak tea and smells awful.

He better come correct. Because, saying millions and billions doesn’t matter… and is just a typo. Is just a breathtakingly stupid assessment. As his giving way to much credit and the authorities should have come to the aid of the President. If the two gentlemen who his sounding alike these days. That’s what I am getting from this.

So, when are you getting appointed and when is Msigwa or Shaka getting fired? Peace.

Opinion: Deo Sanga MP mentally prepares the public for a third term for Magufuli

“According to Sanga, the house needed to remove the term limits and ‘force’ Magufuli to rule beyond the two term limit put in place by the Tanzanian constitution. “Mtu huyu amefanya kazi kubwa kwa miaka mitano iliyoisha na mipango ya mitano inayokuja,” Sanga said. “Ombi langu hapa ndani, atake asitake, tumuongezee muda.” (This man has done a lot of work in the past five years and has a lot of plans for the next five, my request is, whether he likes it or not, let’s add him more time.)” (ZuriMedia – ‘Another Museveni? Tanzanian MPs Reveal Plan To ‘Force’ Magufuli To Rule Indefinitely’ 06.02.2021).

It is not long ago since the sham and rigged elections of October 2020 in favour of President Joseph Magufuli. He is now on his second term as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. In a republic where his party rules supreme. The Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) have all control and can easily change laws in his favour. So, don’t be shocked if during this tenure that the CCM will amend the Constitution and ensure Magufuli more terms.

President Magufuli is the character to make this happen. A man who doesn’t want any critics or real opposition. A man who wants to control all speech, articles, radio-programs and statistics. A man who wants to control the internet, all broadcasts and all content online. That is the sort of man Magufuli is. Not even statistics is out of bound and got to get vouched for before it is published.

So, in this regard… don’t be shocked if there will be Constitutional Amendments made in a fashion. Where loyal MPs are bound together, because they want the best for the Republic. These MPs want to serve and secure Tanzania. The MPs are privately supporting and ensuring a prolonged reign of Magufuli.

This will be the will of Magufuli, but he will use the MPs as pawns. They are just doing it on their own and not directly by him. Even if its beneficial for him and his cause. That Magufuli can get a third or a fourth term. Maybe even a fifth or a sixth term. Magufuli can even become the personification of the state. That is just the next step ahead.

The likes of Deo Sanga is just useful idiots who serves a purpose. Another crony and “yes-men” to serve his master. Sanga might think of himself as a leader, but in reality in this manner… his just a sheep following his shepherd.

I wouldn’t be amazed if this happen in the coming years and well in reach of the next election. Everything is centring around Magufuli already. That is why his hometown Chapto is such a development bonanza too. All things pins to Magufuli and it will not be less of that. He is the next President for Life. The signs are all there.

The way he has tormented the opposition, civil society and the press. Its all signs of what to come. This man will hold a stranglehold of the state and will cling to power until his last breath. This man enjoys power and the perks he get with it. There will be nothing stopping him. Especially, when most of the opposition is in trouble or can’t keep him accountable. This President will not stop.

It helps his ego that the types of Sanga vouches for him and praises him. That just gives him more reasons to do it. When more and more MPs will say it and even write the amendments. Expect it too happen. At this point, it is just a matter of time. Peace.

Opinion: Magufuli is spreading fear, because he don’t want to be accountable…

“You should stand firm. Vaccinations are dangerous. If the white man was able to come up with vaccinations, he should have found a vaccination for Aids by now; he would have found a vaccination of tuberculosis by now; he would have found a vaccination for malaria by now; he would have found a vaccination for cancer by now” – President Joseph Magufuli (26.01.2021)

This week… again. President Joseph Magufuli came out against Western powers and attacked the vaccines. It is a miracle how this man became a doctor at one point. I would think a man who became an engineer had some marbles. However, Magufuli is a lost cause.

We know that Magufuli cannot stomach criticism and publications questioning him. Everyone is supposed to praise him and give him complements. People are supposed to be “Yes Men” and soothsayers. President Magufuli rather wants to massage his own ego, than actually do something good.

A man who said God is the defence against Coronavirus or COVID-19. A man who stopped the counting and the accountability of the COVID-19 response. The President have instead stopped all of that and only the Catholic Church has called out in fear. As the Tanzanian President he should know better, but his ego is too big for his office.

Magufuli should know that the people are already taking vaccines tuberculosis vaccines. The World Health Organization/UNICEF is already given 90% of all newborn children in Tanzania with the BCG vaccine, which works against the tuberculosis. Therefore, the President is lying for his own ego.

Just to prove the President a point, government policies in concern to vaccines is already given to the general public towards the diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles & rotavirus. So, it is not like the Tanzanian government isn’t doing this already.

The state have already the blocked the release of COVID-19 disease outbreak. The idea of how big, how many or the contagious spread in the United Republic. The novel coronavirus could be at any extent. As we only know about the ones crossing the borders to other countries. Like the ones travelling to Europe after being on vacation in Tanzania. Therefore, the President is lying about the existence. The Republic is doing the citizens a disfavour to continue this practice. Instead of looking into its eyes and challenging it heads-on. They are instead more focused on the number one individual.

President Magufuli matters more than his citizens. He rather lie and risk lives, than being a responsible representative and a head of state. As a Head of State he rather lie and tell frightening stories. The President incites fear for vaccines. When ironically, all newborn is already taking vaccines.

The new vaccines isn’t perfect, neither is the old ones either. There will be side-effects and fault-lines, but they are still tested. There is a reason for all the technicalities in the production and the roll-out of it.

It is tragic that one man rather be high on his own supply…. Than taking a life-line and help to save people’s lives. He rather stand by his words and be the big-man, instead of actually doing his job. Peace.

Tanzania: Lissu back in exile is a sign of Magufuli’s vengeance …

That CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu returned to exile after the election this year is a sign of the brutal reality. It is a sign that everything isn’t good in the United Republic of Tanzania. The ones following it knows the election was heist of the ruling regime and the incumbent President Joseph Magufuli. Who rigged the polls before with de-registering opposition candidates, ticked-off ballots and direct intimidation. The results doesn’t reflect the will of the people, but the will of Magufuli.

The use of criminal proceedings and use of the law against the opposition is an open shop for police brutality and political prisoners. These people are taken in and arrested for their affiliation and that that they dare to challenge the system. This is why they are arrested, detained and charged on phony counts of crimes. Usually the types where there is no bail and the state can keep them indefinitely.

President Magufuli must be proud of himself. Arresting activists and leaders of the opposition. Ensuring the ones who has the ability will seek refuge elsewhere. Because they know the President and his folks comes with a vengeance. They are not looking for mercy or redemption. No, they are aiming at the heart and will punish you.

President Magufuli will talk of order, rule of law and democracy. Even though he knows his lying and misusing his office. The President knows perfectly well what he has done and ordered. Gotten the fixers, the mechanics and everyone who needs to get things in the right order. Because, that is what he has done.

It is a reason why former Opposition MP flees to Kenya and why Lissu flees back to Europe. They went into campaigns hoping to challenge and go against the mighty CCM. However, the CCM isn’t playing and they are not doing anything with sense. No, it is battle of control and showing fierce force. Not showing tolerance or openness. If so, the elections, campaigns and laws ahead of the campaigns would be like they are. The civil society and opposition parties space has already been shrink and they have less mobility without the acceptance of some sort of authority. The same is with the media, social media users and whatnot. Everyone needs to follow the President and whatever inklings he has. And never ever ever think to insult his character or his achievements. Because, Magufuli is the greatest man since Christ.

That is the sadness of it all. That the biggest competitor and supposed challenger needed to flee to exile to be safe and sound. That Tundu Lissu is in a flat in Belgium. Says more about Tanzania, than it says about him.

Tundu Lissu had deserved a better fate. The United Republic had deserved something else then this heist. The CCM has tricked itself and Magufuli has outplayed himself this time. The gig is up and the rules maybe be in his favour. However, the bleak reality is that he has rule in fear, intimidation and the power of the law. Not rule on a legitimate ground or be respected by the electorate. Because, the President trusts more in the algorithm and the fake love. That is his ball-park and home.

Lissu might seem like the loser in this, as he had to flee and go into exile. However, in concern Magufuli might feel like a victor. As he has the throne, the title and everything around him saluting him. Nevertheless, his a fool for thinking so. It is all on a false premise and forged. The vain and vanity will cost him. Might not do it now, but his legacy and what people see in him is forever torn apart.

When you have broken the glass… it is hard to mend it back together. Peace.