'You can't dictate us,' Tanzania President warns foreign envoys

MOSHI, Tanzania

Tanzania President, Samia Hassan, has on Tuesday August 17, warned foreign diplomats in Tanzania to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, not to interfere with the country’s governance by dictating how Tanzania should be governed as the country has its Constitution.

Her bold comments, made during a function marking the 60th anniversary of the Tanzania Police Force, were evidently in response to recent statements issued by diplomats representing the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

The envoys spoke out last week following the abduction and assassination a high-ranking opposition leader, Ali Mohamed Kibao, who is said to have been abducted by unknown armed people last Friday and his dead body found in Ununio waterfront district of Dar es Salaam and other serial killings incidents taking place in the country.

“We are not here to receive directives on what to do in our own country. We have a constitution, laws, customs and traditions that guide us.” She said, adding that her country has never instructed its ambassadors to issue public statements on what is happening in other countries.

President Samia said that when these events happen in other countries, "we have never told the countries through our ambassador, 'let's tell them.' Now others should not be the technicians to tell us what to do."

Samia who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Tanzania defense and security forces, expressed her surprise at the international attention accorded to Kibao’s death, while other tragic deaths in Tanzania, such as those involving children and people with albinism, often pass unnoticed.

“It’s surprising that this death has drawn condemnation all round, with some even labelling our government killers. This is not right…we must condemn all such incidents without exception.” She said.

President Hassan suggested that the diplomats may have acted in their personal capacities and not on behalf of their governments and that if necessary, she would address the issue directly with the heads of state of the countries in question.

The EU in Tanzania posted joint statement published on X.com expressing their dismay at the incidents of violence, the loss of people and the deaths of political and human rights activists in Tanzania.

“Today, September 10, 2024, the ambassadors of the European Union countries, together with the ambassadors of Canada, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, have issued a statement expressing their dismay at the incidents of violence, the loss of people and the deaths of political and human rights activists in Tanzania.”

"We are calling for a thorough investigation into these incidents. We sympathize with all affected families." The statement said.

A day before, the US Embassy in Tanzania issued a statement joining those who call for an independent, transparent, and prompt investigation into ongoing abductions and the murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao.

“The United States joins those who call for an independent, transparent, and prompt investigation into ongoing abductions and the murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao. Murder and disappearances, as well as last month’s detentions, beatings, and other efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of elections, should have no place in a democracy.” The statement said.

Adding, “These brutal acts undermine rights guaranteed by the Tanzanian Constitution. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Kibao and the country for the loss of his life and civic leadership.”

President Hassan reiterated that she had sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and protect the lives of the people and their property at any cost.

“In this responsibility we don’t need to be directed by anyone as to what we should do because the Constitution has all the instructions on how to run our government,” she added.

President Hassan reminded politicians that it was due to the implementation of her 4R’s (reconciliation, resilience, reforms and rebuilding) philosophy that some of them have been allowed to return home after spending months in exile, while others have been freed from incarceration.

“The 4R’s should not be viewed with contempt because it is the same philosophy that helped to bring some people back into the country and release others from jail. The philosophy should not be misused to undermine peace in the country,” President Hassan said, adding that Tanzania’s intelligence system is strong and any attempt to make the country ungovernable will be dealt with firmly and decisively.

She directed the Police Force to be vigilant and take immediate action against anyone who attempts to endanger peace in the run-up to, during and after the forthcoming elections.