Kadhi’s court debate back in Parliament next week: Pinda

Dar es Salaam. The government will next week make another attempt to persuade lawmakers to amend laws in order to accommodate Kadhi’s courts in the legal system.  Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda told reporters on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam that the Islamic Law (Restatement) Act (Cap 375) that led to a heated debate and consequent postponement for further consultations in the last Parliament’s sitting, is amongst the 14 laws lined up for amendment when Bunge resumes.

The premier expressed optimism that unlike the last time when the debate on the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill failed to sail through, this time round it will, thanks to two fruitful consultation meetings among major religious groups.

Although Mr Pinda said all major religions had blessed the government’s move after the meetings that took place on February 3 and March 3 in Dar es Salaam, things don’t seem to be that smooth.

A well-placed source within Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) who requested anonymity said the Roman Catholic outfit did not take part in the said meetings. “This is the first time I am hearing  about the so-called consultation meetings, and it is coming  from you. We are preparing a statement that we will release once that Bill is tabled,” he said.

But Mr Pinda said that key areas of concern for those who opposed the Bill have been ironed out in the meetings.

They include fears by some that the courts would be instituted and funded by the government, which is not going to be the case, according to him.

He said the government’ focus was legal recognition that would  make proceedings and judgements of Kadhi courts lawful and binding.

Mr Pinda clarified that the jurisdiction of Sharia courts would be limited to  matters like personal status, marriage, divorce and inheritance, and that  it would  serve only Muslims who would so wish voluntarily  and not by force.