Minister reveals why Tanzania delayed signing of African democracy charter

Foreign Affairs and International Relations deputy minister Damas Ndumbaro

What you need to know:

The government is yet to sign the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, saying some sections are against Tanzania’s constitution

Dodoma. Tanzania has delayed signing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance because some sections are against the country’s constitution, Foreign Affairs and International Relations deputy minister Damas Ndumbaro said.

He was speaking on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Parliament during a question-and-answer session.

He was reacting to a question by Special Seats MP (CCM) Neema Mgaya, who wanted to know why the government had not yet signed the charter.

It is now six years since the government participated in passing the charter, which is the African Union's brainchild.

"We are reluctant to sign the charter because some of its sections are against our constitution. We are not alone: 18 other countries have not signed it."

He said 35 countries already signed the charter on good governance, rule of law and human rights.

"We are in the process to find out the way on how we can either adjust our laws or ask AU to amend the sections which are against our laws,” he noted.

 

 

In summary

The government is yet to sign the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, saying some sections are against Tanzania’s constitution