Good morning!The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on 29 July 2024.
TCRA distances itself from calls to ban some social media platforms in Tanzania
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) said that it has not issued any statement or directive to ban any social media platform in Tanzania.
The authority clarified this in response to a letter from stakeholders of the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), who had requested a meeting with the regulatory authority to openly discuss certain pressures exerted to ban the social network X, formerly known as Twitter.
“TCRA would like to inform you that as a regulator of the communication sector, it has not issued a statement or directive either calling for shutting down or banning any social media platform in the Tanzanian cyberspace,” reads part of the letter to IGTWG.
“TCRA takes regulatory interventions in the event of violations of the laws and regulations of the United Republic of Tanzania,” another section of the letter which was signed by the TCRA Director General Dr. Jabir K Bakari.
IGTWG composed of over twenty organizations that focus on online freedom, rights, and opportunities had reached out to TCRA to ask for the meeting following a campaign initiated by the Chairman of the CCM Youth Wing, Mohamed Ali Kawaida, and some religious leaders calling for the ban of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on claims that it is used to spread pornographic content.
This network, which provides various discussion opportunities, including employment for some youths, has over 600,000 users in Tanzania. X has become a crucial platform for political dialogue and activism in Tanzania.
Stakeholders requested open dialogue to reach a consensus, especially after the former Minister of Communication, Nape Nnauye, said that they were following the debate and will act when it is the right time.
Asha D. Abinallah, whose Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) hosts the working group expressed satisfaction with the response from TCRA.
“I am happy that the Authority has taken this issue seriously and has responded. They presented three points, and the third point was to commend the working group,” Asha explained in an interview with The Chanzo.
She added: “Although TCRA did not issue that statement, they made us concerned when they deactivated their account on X and this happened in about seven days since the pressure campaign from those religious leaders and the ruling party officials. Their suspension of accounts with many followers, while staying on other platforms has made us worried.”
Many communication stakeholders, including media outlets and communication companies, have continued to show satisfaction with the authority’s recent conduct, which has largely focused on consultations with stakeholders on various issues, including legal challenges.
This trend has grown in recent years, especially when the sixth-phase government changed its approach to allow the media sector to grow while adhering to the principles of law, ethics, and good governance.
President Samia leads 15th National Business Council meeting, says Tanzania’s economy is stable
President Samia Suluhu Hassan led the 15th National Business Council (TNBC) meeting held at the State House in Dar es Salaam on July 29, 2024, and said that the country’s stable economy has significantly contributed to business growth and investment attraction.
Speaking at the event, President Samia noted that despite various challenges in the country, Tanzania’s economy continues to improve compared to previous years.
“Despite the various challenges we witness in the global economy, our Tanzanian economy has been resilient. It has continued to grow and strengthen. For instance, in 2023, our economy grew by 5.2% compared to 4.7% in 2022. Additionally, inflation has remained at 3%, within our target,” she said.
Moreover, President Samia added that the borrowing and lending capacity for the government and companies is increasing while interest rates continue to slowly decrease, indicating the positive economic conditions in the country.
The 15th National Business Council meeting aimed to discuss steps to strengthen business and build a robust economy, as the council (TNBC) is responsible for advising the government on key economic issues.
Despite the positive economic outlook highlighted by President Samia, businesspeople presented the challenges they face, particularly concerning the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) freezing their bank accounts.
“Many businesspeople have complained about their bank accounts being frozen, their money being taken without proper procedure, and their EFD machines being shut down. These actions are unproductive as they harm the relationship between businesspeople and the TRA,” said Ali Amour, a representative of the Private Sector.
Ali Amour added that the shortcomings in the Tax Administration Act, Chapter 438, and Section 67 of the law are the reasons for these issues, and specific amendments are needed to create a friendly business environment.
“Businesspeople should not be turned into enemies, subjected to obstacles and difficulties when reporting issues of corruption and revenue loss,” he said.
CCM Vice Chairman Abdulrahman Kinana resigns
The Vice Chairman of Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Abdulrahman Kinana, resigned from his position on July 29, 2024. According to a statement issued by the party’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Amos Makalla, the party’s Chairman, Samia Suluhu, has accepted Kinana’s resignation request.
Kinana was elected to the position on April 1, 2022, after receiving 1,875 votes of approval from the delegates at the special general meeting of CCM. In response to his resignation letter, President Samia Suluhu, who is also the Chairperson of CCM said she accepted the resignation with heavy heart.
“It is true that when I asked you to help us in the role of Vice Chairman, I promised you would serve for a short time as you requested, and indeed I wished for you to continue helping us. However, since you have insisted and a promise is a debt, I am compelled with a heavy heart to accept your resignation,” part of the statement reads, quoting President Samia’s response.
One of the key initiatives led by Kinana during his tenure as Vice Chairman was the reconciliation between CCM and CHADEMA. The reconciliation had moderate success but eventually ended in exchanges of words between CCM and CHADEMA, with each side blaming the other for obstacles.
This is not the first time Kinana has resigned from a significant position within the party. It is worth recalling that on May 28, 2018, while serving as CCM Secretary General, he resigned from that post amid long-standing rumors of working in challenging conditions and handed over his resignation letter to President Magufuli.
Chinese and Tanzanian armies commence joint exercises
The Chinese and Tanzanian armies have launched joint field exercises between the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. These exercises, set to last for 14 days, aim to enhance the proficiency of the armies, as well as to foster diplomacy and cooperation between Tanzania and China.
General Mkunda made this announcement on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the CTC Mapinga Military Training Center in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, during the launch of the joint field exercises between TPDF and PLA. He explained that for the past 60 years, Tanzania and China have collaborated in various fields, including economics, health, infrastructure, investment, agriculture, construction, and military affairs. These exercises are a continuation of that partnership.
“For those who do not know, the relationship between TPDF and PLA is profound, and much of our military equipment is manufactured in China. The construction of the naval command post in Kigamboni, the air command post in Ngerengere, CTC Mapinga, and the National Defense College (NDC) has involved China’s support,” he said.
General Mkunda further elaborated that the exercises involve land, air, and naval commands, and are expected to enhance skills and knowledge between the two armies, marking an unforgettable symbol of their cooperation.
“This year’s exercises surpass previous ones since the armies started working together, aiming to promote global peace and security in line with international goals. These exercises will be conducted on land, including Mapinga, as in previous exercises,” he emphasized.
This is the fourth time in recent years that the Tanzania People’s Defence Force and the People’s Liberation Army of China have conducted joint exercises and exchanged experiences, as part of efforts to improve cooperation. The first joint exercises took place in 2014, followed by subsequent exercises in 2019, 2020, 2023, and now in 2024.
309 victims of human trafficking rescued
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs say about 309 victims of human trafficking in Tanzania were rescued between June 2023 and July 2024.
162 victims were rescued in Tanzania and others were rescued outside Tanzania including 147 rescued from India and 26 from Malaysia, 11 victims rescued from Thailand, 9 victims from Indonesia, 3 victims rescued in Oman and 4 victims rescued from Dubai.
“If you look at the report on the achievements we have made from January 2023 to June 2024, a total of 9 cases of human trafficking have been filed in various courts. Out of these, 4 cases have been decided with the criminals being sentenced to imprisonment, and 5 cases are at various stages of hearing,” said Miriam Mmbaga, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Despite the progress Mmbaga has called for experts to look further beyond the statistics as it is estimated that there are more incidents that are not getting covered.
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