INSIGHT : Symptoms of early stages of failed state now appears in our midst

What you need to know:

Some state agents are accused of violating the law and human rights they are supposed to protect. This is raising questions whether what they are doing complies with good governance and the rule of law

Dar es Salaam. My heartbeat faltered, when I listened to President Obama praising President Kikwete during their press conference at the State House in Dar es Salaam. He said “Tanzanians continue to work to strengthen their democracy. The Parliament, opposition parties, civil society groups, and journalists as they are all doing their part to advance the good governance and transparency upon which democracy and prosperity depend. And I want to commend President Kikwete on the reform efforts to strengthen institutions, improve the delivery of basic services, and make government more responsive to the Tanzanian people.” As President Obama was speaking, CUF deputy director for Organisation, Elections and Parliamentary Affairs Shaweji Mketo, his driver and four other fellow party leaders were languishing in Mtwara Prison after being beaten and tortured at the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) barracks in Naliendele in Mtwara District.

Some CUF leaders from Mtwara who were not in the municipality during the riots were accused of instigating the riots and were charged with unlawful assembly. Mketo had gone to Mtwara to attend a hearing of their court case against CUF leaders who are being tried for unlawful assembly. The case was adjourned until June 27. Afterwards Mketo met with other CUF members in Mtwara. He was told of widespread human rights violations committed by soldiers of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces and the Police. One allegation was particularly shocking. A Msimbati Village woman was raped by a soldier in her house, while two other armed soldiers were guarding the house. She reported the heinous crime to the police and later was examined by a medical personnel who confirmed the rape. Additionally, the rapist had left condoms in the house. The police did not take any action against the suspected rapist. Mketo considered this as a very serious allegation. He could not appeal to state organs to prosecute the suspected rapist unless he was convinced that the allegations were true. It was decided that he should talk to the family of the woman who was raped. They drove a CUF vehicle to Msimbati.

INSIGHT : Symptoms of early stages of failed state now appears in our midst

What you need to know:

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