GoZ slams donors
Zanzibar government called upon the donor community to go to Pemba and witness the real condition there instead of depending on hearsay and issuing statement that might aggravate the situation. It said such statement can precipitate trouble at a time when CCM and CUF have already reached an agreement on issuance of Zanzibar ID and registration of voters. The government said this following a statement by embassies of EU countries plus the USA, Canada, Japan and Norway, urging the government to make sure that all citizens, including those from Zanzibar, are given the right to vote.
Speaking over a phone, the Director of Zanzibar ID, Mohamed Juma Ame, said he was surprised by the EU statement given that the situation is already under control. My office does not work under pressure from anyone or any party; we are guided by 2005 Act. These EU countries should watch what they are saying otherwise they might make the volatile situation worse. In any case I got only four appeals from people who feel aggrieved, Ame claimed.
Wete DC, Omar Khamis Othman said the EU statement hampers attempts made by his office, ID department, political parties and other stakeholders. What they want to see is disorder in Pemba. Journalists should tell them the truth so that they are not misled into creating unrest. Alternatively, they can ask for clearance to come to Pemba to see for themselves instead of depending on unreliable reports, Othman said.
Director of Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), Salim Hamis Ali said they were expected to meet yesterday to discuss the current situation, including the statement by donors. If necessary a reply might be issued, he said. So far we have not cleared the donors to come to Pemba, so it is surprising that they complain about something they havent seen. It would have been better for them to come or send their diplomatic staff to Pemba and then talk. The fact is that on Monday we are to meet CCM and CUF leaders in Wete to discuss the stage reached so far and the way forward, Ali said.
Minister of State in Chief Ministers Office, Hamza Hassan Juma said: We would like the heads of diplomatic missions and their officers to go to Pemba and see the real situation. Instead of sitting in their offices in Dar es Salaam, let them come and see how we resume registration on Monday Talking to reporters in his office yesterday, the Minister said: Diplomatic missions should not interfere in internal matters as Zanzibar government follows the law and constitution. It is surprising that government has not received any statement from them. They should have contacted us to get the truth instead of listening to the other side. Let me emphasis that we will always respect the rule of law and good governance but we shall never be pushed around by EU or AU.
He accused the opposition leaders of creating an atmosphere that led to suspension of registration. The Minister named Secretary General of CUF, Seif Sharif Hamad, saying he uttered provocative statements at CUF rallies.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Seif Idd told reporters: We are disappointed by the donors statement since we already warned them against meddling in internal matters. They still persist. We shall continue urging them to stick to their job and do what they are supposed to do. Of course they provide us with funding but that doesnt allow them to cross the line. If they see anything untoward they can always approach us at the Ministry instead of rushing to the press. We are not entirely amused by this type of behaviour.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the CCM youth wing (UVCCM), Hamad Masauni told the donors to stop meddling in matters that dont concern them and investigate before speaking out. He also told CUF to stop feeding wrong information to the donors as they always do. Talking to reporters in Dar es Salaam, Masauni said: UVCCM condemns the act by some embassies issuing a statement without investigating, an act that is likely to cause breach of peace. They have to know that colonial era is over so UVCCM will not tolerate such behaviours by these white foreigners. Our parents fought for independence so that we can exercise our national sovereignty. Now they want to take us back to colonialism. They sit in their offices and listen to what CUF tells them and then come out with a statement (Majira, Mtanzania, Habari Leo, Mwananchi, Tanzania Daima, Kulikoni, Nipashe)