Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition temporarily shuts down operations

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) on Tuesday, August 18, has said that they have temporarily suspended operations in Tanzania as it seeks reconciliation with the Police force.

This comes after the Police force ordered CRDB Bank to block THRDC’s account, for allegedly signing contracts with donors without consulting the Treasury Office and office of the Registrar of NGOs.

“Dear members and stakeholders, following an emergency Board of directors meeting, the Board has come into conclusion to temporarily suspend the Coalition’s operations until further notice. The board apologises to its members and stakeholders for the inconveniences caused by the decision including the delay in payments and such related issues,” reads a part of a public statement issued on Tuesday by THRDC Board Chairperson Ms Vicky Ntetema.

On Friday, August 14, THRDC received complaints from some of its members who claimed that they were denied access to receive funds via the Coalition’s bank account (CRDB), part of the statement reads.

“It was due to this, THRDC on Saturday sought assistance from the bank, and we came to realise that the account was blocked by the bank—on orders by the Police Force  pending interrogation,” writes the board chair.

According to the statement, THRDC National Coordinator Onesmo Olengerumwa on Monday, August 16 was summoned at the Police headqjuarters for interrogation in connection with the alleged offence.

Mr Olengurumwa was freed on a bail of Sh200 million, according to the statement.