Denmark digs in on condition for release of funds

Dar es Salaam. Denmark has reiterated that the disbursement of $9 million (Sh22 billion) to Tanzania would depend on the outcome of an ongoing review of the human rights and civic space situation in the country.

A statement issued yesterday by the Danish Embassy said that a high-level delegation from the European Union member state’s ministry of Foreign Affairs had completed a two-day visit to Tanzania during which the issues of human rights and shrinking of political space were discussed with Tanzanian government officials.

“The delegation strongly encouraged the government to deliver concrete improvements on these issues. It was agreed to keep the dialogue open,” the statement added.

On Thursday, Foreign Affairs minister Augustine Mahiga said it was only a matter of time before the release of the withheld aid, following his meeting with Denmark’s permanent secretary in the ministry of Cooperation and International Development, Mr Trine Thygesen, in the city.

He quoted the Danish official as saying that the European country was ready to disburse the money once other EU member states finalise the process to release budgetary support to Tanzania.

The visit this week is part of an on-going review of Danish development cooperation with Tanzania, which the donor partners say was prompted by the worsening of the human rights situation and the shrinking of civic space in the country.

“Following a series of negative events, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation decided to withhold until further notice a payment of 65 mill DKK ($9 million) to the Tanzanian Government and to conduct a thorough review of the situation, including consultations in Denmark, EU and Tanzania,’’ said the statement.

“This would assist in determining whether and in what form the funds would eventually be disbursed,’’ the statement added and revealed that the current review would continue over the coming months.

Denmark said the situation on the ground would be monitored closely in dialogue with partners in the two countries.

The Danish delegation also had consultations with members of the opposition and representatives from civil society; the media and religious leaders, as well as international development partners.

“The delegation expressed concern for human rights and democracy, including shrinking political and civic space, women’s rights and protection of the LGBTI community as well as repressive laws,’’ the statement said.