Activists criticised for ‘backstage’ role
What you need to know:
The Escrow Account scandal was about transparency without accountability and that it highlighted the impunity of the Executive.
Dar es Salaam. A leading researcher and consultant has criticised local civil society organisations for taking the backstage in the condemnations that followed the Escrow scandal.
At a breakfast talk show organised by the Policy Forum on Friday, Dr Brian Cooksey, an independent consultant and analyst, said the role CSOs played in exposing the scandal that rocked the country in 2014 “left a lot to be desired.”
He hailed the media, Parliament and opposition parties for taking the front role in addressing issues of public concern.
Dr Cooksey, who is also an investigative journalist, said CSOs lacked a sustained attempt to mobilise popular support on the matter, he said, adding: “Escrow was widely commented on in the press and social media platforms, save for the CSOs.
The CSO’s missed the opportunity for raising their voices in the issue, he said, urging them to pay attention to issues of public interests.
Mr Cooksey said the scandal was about transparency without accountability and that it highlighted the impunity of the Executive.
