Put politics aside during talks with Acacia over gold dealings

The government and Acacia Mining have agreed to talk to resolve firm’s business dealings in the country. Here are opinions by a few Tanzanians over the matter

Lazaro Aloyce

The government should first suspend all Acacia operations in the country. Tanzania People’s Defence Forces should be deployed to guard airstrips in the mines which should forcefully stop activities.

In forming the negotiating team, political affiliations should be avoided at all costs. The country should avoid approaching the issue the way we approached the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) election.

While Barrick Gold is expected to send professionals for negotiations , the country should use experts in international contracts, country laws and investments components. The team should be trained on the best approach to ensure interests of the country are protected.

Selemani Mfaume

Multinationals know what they are doing. They know there are legal contracts they entered with the country to export mineral concentrates for smelting. These contracts were fraudulently signed by leaders of previous governments.

Why shouldn’t we start dealing with fellow Tanzanians who took part in the scandal before taking on investors? The public should seriously help the president in this war; nobody should take it lightly. Lawmakers and all other citizens should be serious; this isn’t time for joke.

Mshindo Salleh

Barrick Gold cannot pay debts which Acacia is not ready to service, because Acacia is the one at the center of the controversy. Why should Barrick Gold take part in a case it is not directly involved?

Barrick Gold should advise Acacia to engage in negotiations with the government to save time, because Acacia has made it clear that even if negotiations between Barrick and the government were resolved that payment should be effected; Acacia are the ones to make the final decision. The government shouldn’t negotiate with Barrick because it’s less aware of the actual company dues the government is demanding. If the government finds it difficult to negotiate with an unregistered company, legal measures should be taken.

Gerald Kabyemela

Airstrips at mines should be closed. One centre should be chosen, for instance Mwanza, for companies to use in airlifting minerals.

The Loliondo airstrip is one of those which should be closed because it is alleged to be used to transport natural resources illegally.