JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Samia Forms Commission to Investigate 'Breach of Peace Incidents' During Election, to be Led by Retired Chief Justice Othman Chande
President Samia has formed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate 'incidents of breach of peace' that occurred in Tanzania during and after the General Election of October 29, and has appointed Retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman as the Commission's Chairman.
Other members of the Commission include Retired Chief Justice Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma, Ambassador Ombeni Yohana Sefue (Diplomat and Retired Chief Secretary), Ambassador Radhia Msuya (Retired Ambassador), Lt. Gen. Paul Meela, Ambassador and Retired IGP Said Ally Mwema, Ambassador David Kapya, and Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, who previously served as Executive Secretary of SADC and Minister of Defense in the previous government.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed disagreement with the appointment of this Commission, noting that the appointed members are former leaders who are part of the government system. They argue that the perpetrator of these events (the government) cannot investigate itself. They suggest that if there were a genuine intention to conduct an inquiry, it would have been explicitly stated that the Commission is investigating killings committed by security forces. Stakeholders from various sectors, both domestic and international, would have been appointed to ensure the Commission's independence.
Others have expressed concern that this Commission has been chosen strategically to shift the blame for the 'violence' onto activists and civil society organizations that defend human rights, as these groups have been a thorn in the government's side when it violates citizens' rights, and were at the forefront of condemning human rights violations during the protests.
Some citizens have stated that these commissions are merely a facade to show a desire for change and to address problems occurring in the country. In reality, they exist to benefit the rulers when they need to clear their names following public outrage. They cited the Criminal Justice Commission, which issued good recommendations that have largely not been implemented.
Additionally, some recalled the killing of civilians committed by the Police during the tenure of IGP Said Mwema, while others noted that Dr. Tax was the Minister of Defense when the violence occurred, and as a ruling party cadre, she is not expected to be an independent figure in the Commission.
Samia: Events During the Election Have Stained the Country; We Will Not Rely Heavily on Donors, We Will Focus on Domestic Revenue Sources
Today, November 18, President Samia swore in 27 Ministers and 29 Deputy Ministers at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma. Samia emphasized that the mandates she has given them are a responsibility to work, not a position for pride, urging them to work quickly and with accountability to the citizens, given the multitude of promises and the short time for implementation.
She also warned the leaders that the violence and destruction that occurred in the country during the election had stained the country's image, thereby affecting Tanzania's ability to secure loans and aid from international institutions. She stated that national resources are scarce, so it is crucial for leaders to organize themselves effectively to manage the resources available within the country.
She added that her government will not wait to beg for funds or spend a long time persuading development partners; instead, they will start working, and those institutions will join them "when they finish their objections" to continue the projects already under implementation.
Citizens' Opinions:
Some have said her words show arrogance and a lack of remorse for the killings that took place during the election, knowing full well that there is no one to hold her accountable, including external institutions. This has increased citizens' anger and motivation to participate in the protests expected on December 9 to remove her from power and hold accountable all those involved.
Others have said that shifting to domestic sources means citizens will be burdened with taxes to run these projects, and to avoid this, the solution is the December 9 protests.
CHADEMA: Police Must Release Our Members Arrested Unlawfully
The Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA) has demanded that the Police Force immediately and unconditionally release members, leaders, and citizens being held unlawfully, and provide clarification regarding the whereabouts of those who are missing.
Through a statement issued by the party's Director of Communications and Ideology, Brenda Rupia, CHADEMA stated that hundreds of people have been arrested without following legal procedures, without clear reasons, and without being allowed to communicate with their families or lawyers, a matter that violates the principles of human rights and the rule of law. The party has urged the international community to closely monitor developments in the country to ensure that citizens' rights are respected.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed anger at this situation, saying the country seems to have no Police, but rather a group of thugs and murderers working for the interests of a specific group of people who do not wish the country well, a matter that continues to deteriorate citizens' trust in security organs.
Additionally, others have said that all this will end on December 9 (the day indefinite peaceful protests are expected to begin), when citizens believe they will remove all oppressive systems and establish new ones that serve the public interest.
RC Chalamila Tours to Inspect Damage to Mbagala BRT, Services to Resume November 20
The Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, conducted a special inspection in the Mbagala area to assess damage to infrastructure in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project caused by the October 29 protests, expressing sadness over acts of vandalism that disrupted services for citizens.
He announced that BRT services on that route will resume on November 20, once the ongoing repairs are complete.
He emphasized the importance of citizens protecting public infrastructure and stated that the regional government is continuing to cooperate with security organs to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Citizens' Opinions: Some citizens have questioned the change in leadership statements, noting that initially the existence of protests was denied (it was claimed to be violence committed by youths from outside the country), but now the government confirms that protesters caused damage to the country's infrastructure! They ask: How can citizens believe that this infrastructure was destroyed by civilians and not by the Police who executed the killings?
Police: Tanzanian comedian, MC Pilipili, was murdered
The Dodoma Regional Police Force has confirmed that the death of comedian Emmanuel Mathia, popularly known as 'MC Pilipili', resulted from being beaten, following an examination of his body in collaboration with doctors. Police Commander, Gallus Hyela, stated that the deceased's body had unusual marks indicating a beating, so a formal investigation has begun to identify those responsible.
MC Pilipili's body was brought to the Dodoma Referral Hospital by Good Samaritans on the evening of November 16, where it was confirmed that he had already passed away. The Police have asked anyone with confidential information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed shock, sadness, and fear following the revelation that this incident was a murder, stating that incidents of "unknown people" kidnapping and killing people have increased rapidly in the country because no concrete steps are being taken to end these acts.
Additionally, others have questioned: If the Police were able to release information on this artist's death and start an investigation immediately, what is stopping them from doing the same for the citizens killed during the election, amidst various claims requiring police answers to know what exactly happened?
President Samia has formed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate 'incidents of breach of peace' that occurred in Tanzania during and after the General Election of October 29, and has appointed Retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman as the Commission's Chairman.
Other members of the Commission include Retired Chief Justice Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma, Ambassador Ombeni Yohana Sefue (Diplomat and Retired Chief Secretary), Ambassador Radhia Msuya (Retired Ambassador), Lt. Gen. Paul Meela, Ambassador and Retired IGP Said Ally Mwema, Ambassador David Kapya, and Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, who previously served as Executive Secretary of SADC and Minister of Defense in the previous government.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed disagreement with the appointment of this Commission, noting that the appointed members are former leaders who are part of the government system. They argue that the perpetrator of these events (the government) cannot investigate itself. They suggest that if there were a genuine intention to conduct an inquiry, it would have been explicitly stated that the Commission is investigating killings committed by security forces. Stakeholders from various sectors, both domestic and international, would have been appointed to ensure the Commission's independence.
Others have expressed concern that this Commission has been chosen strategically to shift the blame for the 'violence' onto activists and civil society organizations that defend human rights, as these groups have been a thorn in the government's side when it violates citizens' rights, and were at the forefront of condemning human rights violations during the protests.
Some citizens have stated that these commissions are merely a facade to show a desire for change and to address problems occurring in the country. In reality, they exist to benefit the rulers when they need to clear their names following public outrage. They cited the Criminal Justice Commission, which issued good recommendations that have largely not been implemented.
Additionally, some recalled the killing of civilians committed by the Police during the tenure of IGP Said Mwema, while others noted that Dr. Tax was the Minister of Defense when the violence occurred, and as a ruling party cadre, she is not expected to be an independent figure in the Commission.
Samia: Events During the Election Have Stained the Country; We Will Not Rely Heavily on Donors, We Will Focus on Domestic Revenue Sources
Today, November 18, President Samia swore in 27 Ministers and 29 Deputy Ministers at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma. Samia emphasized that the mandates she has given them are a responsibility to work, not a position for pride, urging them to work quickly and with accountability to the citizens, given the multitude of promises and the short time for implementation.
She also warned the leaders that the violence and destruction that occurred in the country during the election had stained the country's image, thereby affecting Tanzania's ability to secure loans and aid from international institutions. She stated that national resources are scarce, so it is crucial for leaders to organize themselves effectively to manage the resources available within the country.
She added that her government will not wait to beg for funds or spend a long time persuading development partners; instead, they will start working, and those institutions will join them "when they finish their objections" to continue the projects already under implementation.
Citizens' Opinions:
Some have said her words show arrogance and a lack of remorse for the killings that took place during the election, knowing full well that there is no one to hold her accountable, including external institutions. This has increased citizens' anger and motivation to participate in the protests expected on December 9 to remove her from power and hold accountable all those involved.
Others have said that shifting to domestic sources means citizens will be burdened with taxes to run these projects, and to avoid this, the solution is the December 9 protests.
CHADEMA: Police Must Release Our Members Arrested Unlawfully
The Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA) has demanded that the Police Force immediately and unconditionally release members, leaders, and citizens being held unlawfully, and provide clarification regarding the whereabouts of those who are missing.
Through a statement issued by the party's Director of Communications and Ideology, Brenda Rupia, CHADEMA stated that hundreds of people have been arrested without following legal procedures, without clear reasons, and without being allowed to communicate with their families or lawyers, a matter that violates the principles of human rights and the rule of law. The party has urged the international community to closely monitor developments in the country to ensure that citizens' rights are respected.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed anger at this situation, saying the country seems to have no Police, but rather a group of thugs and murderers working for the interests of a specific group of people who do not wish the country well, a matter that continues to deteriorate citizens' trust in security organs.
Additionally, others have said that all this will end on December 9 (the day indefinite peaceful protests are expected to begin), when citizens believe they will remove all oppressive systems and establish new ones that serve the public interest.
RC Chalamila Tours to Inspect Damage to Mbagala BRT, Services to Resume November 20
The Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, conducted a special inspection in the Mbagala area to assess damage to infrastructure in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project caused by the October 29 protests, expressing sadness over acts of vandalism that disrupted services for citizens.
He announced that BRT services on that route will resume on November 20, once the ongoing repairs are complete.
He emphasized the importance of citizens protecting public infrastructure and stated that the regional government is continuing to cooperate with security organs to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Citizens' Opinions: Some citizens have questioned the change in leadership statements, noting that initially the existence of protests was denied (it was claimed to be violence committed by youths from outside the country), but now the government confirms that protesters caused damage to the country's infrastructure! They ask: How can citizens believe that this infrastructure was destroyed by civilians and not by the Police who executed the killings?
Police: Tanzanian comedian, MC Pilipili, was murdered
The Dodoma Regional Police Force has confirmed that the death of comedian Emmanuel Mathia, popularly known as 'MC Pilipili', resulted from being beaten, following an examination of his body in collaboration with doctors. Police Commander, Gallus Hyela, stated that the deceased's body had unusual marks indicating a beating, so a formal investigation has begun to identify those responsible.
MC Pilipili's body was brought to the Dodoma Referral Hospital by Good Samaritans on the evening of November 16, where it was confirmed that he had already passed away. The Police have asked anyone with confidential information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed shock, sadness, and fear following the revelation that this incident was a murder, stating that incidents of "unknown people" kidnapping and killing people have increased rapidly in the country because no concrete steps are being taken to end these acts.
Additionally, others have questioned: If the Police were able to release information on this artist's death and start an investigation immediately, what is stopping them from doing the same for the citizens killed during the election, amidst various claims requiring police answers to know what exactly happened?
