Page One: Key stories of the day

Campaign in the Arumeru by-election starts in earnest

With the parties settled on their nominees, politics now becomes the focus as the campaign begins in earnest.

Chadema leadership in trouble with the law

Two of the highest ranking Chadema Dr. Willbroad Slaa and Freeman Mbowe stand before the judge to answer charges of allegedly breaking police orders.

It’s the economy, stupid: Part II

The IMF is suggesting that the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) re-think their strategy to rein in inflation, while the Finance Minister attacks those arguing that economic growth in 2012 will be anemic.

Dr. Mwakyembe’s alleged poison attack and its political implications

The papers look at what the Deputy Minister for Works accusations are doing for the stability of the cabinet.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘Maskini Kikwete, serikali yake haina umoja’ [Poor Kikwete, his government lacks unity] | MwanaHalisi
• ‘TAKUKURU wanatuchezea akili na uchunguzi wao wakati wa uchaguzi’ [PCCB is trying to deceive us with its investigations during elections] | Raia Mwema
• ‘Viongozi jengeni historia kama Lowassa, Sokoine na Mrema’ [Leaders build your legacy like Lowassa, Sokoine and Mrema] | Mtanzania
• ‘Mwacheni Raisi afanye kazi zake’ [Let the president do his job] | Habari Leo
• ‘We hail our new ties with Mexico, but…’ | The African
• ‘Fighting graft is defending justice’ | The Guardian

Other stories of note:

• ‘Kanisa [Katoliki] latoa mapya’ [The [Catholic] Church brings out something new] | Habari Leo
• ‘Hamad Rashid akana kuanzisha chama kipya’ [Hamad Rashid denies forming a new party] | Majira
• ‘State failing you on water, Zitto tells villagers’ | The Citizen
• ‘Zitto: Umeme wa dharura ni ufisadi’ [Zitto: Emergency power is corruption] | Mwananchi
• ‘Jussa, huwezi kuitetea CUF bila kuibua udini?’ [Jussa, can you not defend CUF without raising the spectre of religion?] | The Citizen
• ‘Pope Benedict owns up to Freemasonry, achieves Last Days theology’ | The African
• ‘Machinga Complex sasa basi, kupangishwa wafanyabiashara wakubwa’ [Machinga Complex is done, to be rented out to big business] | Uhuru
• ‘Tanesco accused of coal power production delays’ | The Guardian
• ‘Bajeti ‘yakwamisha’ kasi uhakiki utajiri wa vigogo’ [[Small] budget ‘slows down’ the speed of verifying public figures’ wealth] | Raia Mwema
• ‘2 pastors arraigned for 122m/- theft’ | Daily News
• ‘Capital City set to get better roads, drainage’ | The Citizen

Business Headlines:

• ‘British firm to invest over USD 10bn in gas extraction’ | The Guardian
• ‘Shilling loses against the dollar’ | Daily News
• ‘WB: Two growth circles to Tanzania’s economic transition’ | The Guardian
• ‘Bill on gas sector regulation ‘almost ready’ | The Citizen
• ‘SACCOS yatoa mkopo mil.41/-Songea’ [SACCOS gives 41mil/- worth of loans in Songea] | Majira
• ‘Shoprite profit up 18 pct’ | Daily News

Regional Headlines:

• ‘”Resurrected” Mugabe “fit as a fiddle” after reaching 88’ | Daily News
•  ‘EA economy grows despite EU economic shakedown’ | The African
• ‘Zimbabwe needs fewer, strong, banks, finance minister says’ | The Guardian
•  ‘Botswana opposition unity plan in dilemma’ | The Citizen
• ‘Abdoulaye Wade apalilia vita Senegal [Abdoulaye Wade cries out for war in Senegal] | Mwananchi
• ‘Proposal to legalise prostitution in Kenya based on reality’ | The Citizen

Page One: A summary

Campaign in the Arumeru by-election starts in earnest

Following Sioi Sumari’s victory in the CCM primary in Arumery East, divisions have emerged within the local party that could threaten the party’s chances of retaining the seat in the up-coming by election in April, reports Mtanzania. Apparently the paper observed some party members leaving their local headquarters looking mighty displeased with the result. ‘Mtanzania saw some party members saying things that irritated those around them,’ the paper writes.

According to Mwananchi, some officials from the party’s youth wing UVCCM claimed that the whole primary process was invalid as it was clearly influenced by corruption. Kennedy Mpumilwa, a UVCCM member from Arusha, told the paper that, ‘this election is not good enough because some local party members were bribed. Up to 150,000 was being distributed to any member who will accept it. So what kind of CCM is this if our selection is done through corruption?’ This does not bode well for Mr. Sumari as he prepares himself for the by-election. It should be noted that Mr. Mpumilwa is also CCM’s Chairman of the treasury committee in Arumeru. Failure to get him on board will leave Mr. Sumari with a fractured party base going into what promises to be a bitterly fought campaign.

Meanwhile, Mwananchi is reporting that Chadema looks strong and unified, with their nominee pleased to hear reports of divisions coming out of CCM’s camp. ‘I heard that Sioi [won]. They should bring him, he is the one I wanted. Chadema we are not scared by any candidate and we are confident we’ll win.’ Joshua Nasari said.

So, with less than a month before the campaign begins, political reporters have already settled on a narrative. According to these reports Mr. Sumari is coming into the campaign as a weakened candidate, a divisive nominee of his party, while Chadema are united and going strong. Whether the campaign will fit the reported narrative we shall have to see.

Chadema leadership in trouble with the law

Last year, there was a time when it seemed that Chadema’s party leaders were spending more time being arrested than doing what they were elected to do. Well, after a lull period it looks like it is back to those stories again as newspapers are reporting that Dr. Willbroad Slaa and two others are in danger of getting arrested following their refusal to appear in court to answer charges of ignoring police orders.

Nipashe is reporting that Dr. Slaa and his girlfriend Josephine have 24 hours to report to Court and respond to charges brought forth against them or risk being remanded by force. ‘These accussed are not being honest when, through their lawyer, are claiming that they confused the dates because of having so many cases against them,’ the government lawyer Mr. Edwin Kakolaki told the judge. Mr. Kakolaki charged that Dr. Slaa and his associates were being accused of instigating violence and organizing a public gathering without a police permit. He went to implore the judge to issue an arrest warrant to compel the accused to appear before the court to answer the charges. Judge Charles Magesa of Arusha Resident Court refused to grant such a warrant and instead issued the 24 hour order.

Also accused of the same charges is Chadema’s national Chairman and the parliamentary leader of the opposition Mr. Freeman Mbowe, who was present at the hearing.

It’s the economy, stupid: Part II

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Mr. Mustafa Mkulo reacted angrily to suggestions that Tanzania’s economy will only grow a meager 3% this year. This prediction was revealed in the so-called Macroeconomic Country Forecast issued yesterday by a Netherland-based Currency Exchange Fund (TCX), who argue that ‘the economic slowdown this year will…be caused by weak demand for commodities on the world market due to economic difficulties,’ reported The Citizen. 

But the Minister called such forecasting unduly ‘pessimistic’ and that government figures show growth for 2011 third quarter at 6.4 per cent which corresponds with this year’s projection of ‘real growth of 7.2 per cent as [per] by [the] IMF and World Bank.’  Nevertheless, TCX Senior Vice President Harad Hirschhofer argued that, according to The Citizen, ‘the central bank will continue taking policy measures that are aimed at reducing the amount of money in the economy this year [which] will result in higher lending rates,’ and as a consequence, slow down the country’s economy.

At the same meeting an IMF official warned that if the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) continues to lack a sustained fiscal policy that will counteract rising inflation it’ll be hard to see how the government will be able to lower the high inflation figure in the country. Mr. John Wakeman-Lin said the BoT needs to look at a multiple-approached strategy that will include lowering of interest rates for example, rather than simply ‘fighting core inflation,’ reported The African.

Dr. Mwakyembe’s alleged poison attack and its political implication

The Deputy Minister for Works Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe’s continuing insistence that his prolonged illness is as a result of being poisoned is apparently causing unwanted headaches to the government, dividing the cabinet in the process. MwanaHalisi is reporting that the government is in possession of a report that details the health issues that ails the Minister. A source tells the paper that the report was even discussed in the cabinet. What is unclear, according to the source, is what is causing Dr. Mwakyembe’s illness.

Meanwhile, Raia Mwema claims to have a source in India, at the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad where Dr. Mwakyembe is receiving treatment , who tells the paper that the disease afflicting the Minister is caused by chemicals within his bone marrow that have been released into his bloodstream and now they are attacking him.

Well, it appears that this saga will continue to occupy our newspapers’ column inches, until evidence is made public, as Raia Mwema puts it, that puts to bed suggestions of whether the Minister was indeed poisoned or not. Until then, the issue, as we reported here, will continue to divide President Kikwete’s government and distract it from going about its daily business.

Page One: Key stories of the day

Dowans rears its controversial head, again.

The legal wrangling over the awarding of damages over what the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) .ruled to be an illegal termination of contract by TANESCO continues.

East Arumeru by-election gets underway.

As the parties settle on their nominees, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has revealed the dates for the parliamentary by-election in East Arumeru.

Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources hits back at accusations of corruption

The Ministry’s spokesperson has released a strong worded statement to respond to allegations that it has lost over Tsh25bn/- of its annual revenue last year.

Oil firm invites locals to venture in exploration

SWALA Oil and Gas (Tanzania) Limited reportedly sets a precedent in the industry by incorporating local shareholders.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘Our education must be based on values’ | The Citizen
• ‘ICT accelerates Tanzania’s giant leap in development, prosperity’ | The Guardian
• ‘CUF haijajikwaa na huu sio mwisho wake’ [CUF has not undermined itself and this is not its end] | Nipashe
• ‘Nchi zinazoendelea kuvuna nini kiti cha urais [World Bank]’ [How will developed nations benefit from the World Bank presidency?] | Mtanzania
• ‘Kampeni za vurugu zisipewe nafasi Arumeru Mashariki’ [Violent electoral campaigns should not be tolerated in East Arumero] | Habari Leo
• ‘We should choose to be a nation of entrepreneurs of farmers?’ | The African

Other stories of note:

• ‘EJAT 2011 Awards nominees list out’ | The African
• ‘Anti-Aids campaigners brace for tough financial times as donor funding shrinks’ | Daily News
• ‘Ugonjwa wa Mwakyembe watesa polisi’ [Mwakyembe’s illness tests the police] | Majira
• ‘Mengi on Twitter’| The Guardian
• ‘Mwakyembe saga raises questions over team spirit’ | The Citizen
• ‘Political parties want religion out of polls’ | Daily News
• ‘Bunge lamjadili Meya Dar” [Parliament questions Dar’s Mayor [for allegedly insulting MPs]] | Habari Leo
• ‘Mbowe, Slaa kikaangoni’ [Mbowe, Slaa in remand] | Mtanzania
• ‘Wanaume nchini Kenya wapigwa na wake zao’ [Men in Kenya physically abused by their wives] | Uhuru
• ‘Sakata la posho lazidi kuwatafuna wabunge’ [The expenses issue continues to bite members of parliament] | Habari Leo0
• ‘Waitaka Serikali ipunguze kasi mchakato wa Katiba’ [People want the Government to slow down on the Constitution] | The Citizen

Business Headlines:

• ‘Trading to pick up on DSE as yields on T-bills dwindle’ | Daily News
• ‘Dealers want status of livestock by-products industry’ | The Guardian
• ‘Agriculture: Government set to revamp Rubada for expansion’ | The Citizen
• ‘Ethiopia to supply power to Tanzania’ | The African
• ‘Overnight interest rates rise to 13 percent’ | Daily News
• ‘TICTS gets ultimatum to improve efficiency’ | Daily News

Regional Headlines:

• ‘Ethiopia to supply power to Tanzania’ | The African
•  ‘Inflation summit gears East Africa for single currency plan’ | The Guardian
• ‘Museveni summons Cabinet crisis meet’ | Daily News
•  ‘ODM row goes public’ | The Citizen
• ‘Misri yavunja uhusiano na Syria’ [Egypt breaks ties with Syria] | Mtanzania
• ‘Lesotho: Economy catches flu – from South Africa’s sneeze’ | Daily News

Page One: A summary

Dowans rears its controversial head, again.

The papers today appear confused and in turn are confusing their readers. Here is what happened: The High Court yesterday heard and delivered a verdict over an appeal by TANESCO against a decision by the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) decision to award Dowans Tanzania damages for the electricity firm’s illegal termination of contract. The Citizen led with this headline: ‘Tanesco loses $66m Dowans appeal case.’ The Daily News went with ‘TANESCO set for 94bn/- appeal’ with its lead suggesting that ‘the High Court yesterday granted [TANESCO] leave to appeal against the 2010 judgment that awarded Dowans’ said money. Other papers took a similar angle.

The Citizen reported the whole thing thus: “The High Court yesterday rejected Tanesco’s petition seeking permission to appeal against an order to pay $65.8 million (about Sh105.3) to Dowans Tanzania Limited…Tanesco got a lifeline, however, when the judge ruled that it was free to use other sections of the law to challenge the payment order.” This is a little confusin,g isn’t it?

What this shows, above all else, is the sometime lack of depth in reporting of particularly nuanced stories by our veritable, self-declared, Fourth Estate. What may have happened is that the judge had refused to provide Tanesco with an injunction to bar the ICC’s decision from being registered in Tanzania, which would have made it enforceable but, nevertheless, allowed for it to be appealed, should Tanesco wish to do so. We are not lawyers here at SAL, so we stand to be corrected, but reporters could’ve easily done more reporting by consulting qualified legal experts to explain the nuances of the story to readers and in turn fulfill two of three responsibilities of journalism: inform and educate readers. Why they chose not to do so is beyond us.

East Arumeru by-election gets underway

CCM has nominated Siou Sumari to replace his father, the late Jeremiah Sumari, to be its candidate for the parliamentary by-election of East Arumeru, The Citizen reports. Meanwhile, it looks like Chadema has failed to convince its 2010 presidential nominee Dr. Willbroad Slaa to run for the seat and instead have settled for their defeated candidate of two years ago in the hope that the second time is the charm for Mr. Joshua Nasari, according Habari Leo.

The Citizen goes on to report that the younger Sumari, who is making his first foray into politics, defeated his closest challenger William Sarakikya 361 votes to 259 respectively. However, the results have to be validated by both CCM’s executive and central committees for Mr. Sumari’s primary victory to be official.

Elsewhere, Nipashe is suggesting that fears of defeat are spreading within CCM and that the party is already out in force with its talking points, attacking NGOs, accusing them of being pro-opposition. CCM’s Director of Communications and Ideology Nape Nnauye said that some NGOs pretend that they are providing civic education to voters but in fact proceed to channel support for opposition candidates. ‘If this issue is not addressed it will force us to start campaigning before the official time allows,’ Mr. Nnauye said. But his statement was met with incredulous irritation by a National Electoral Commission official, Prof. Amon Chaligha who told Nipashe, ‘[NGOs] don’t come to say to people go vote for a particular candidate.’

The NEC Director of Elections Julius Mallaba announced that the by-election will be held on April 1^st, after a three week campaign that will begin from March 9^th to 31^st later this year, reports The African.

Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources hits back at accusations of corruption

After being blamed by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of poor revenue collection that may have been caused by corrupt officials, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has released a statement saying that the accusations were baseless and that the ministry is always diligent in submitting its revenues to the Treasury.

The statement that was made available to The Guardian and signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson George Matiko, says, ‘the funds that are not returned [are sent] to finance the Foundation for Conservation of Wildlife.’ Mr. Matiko went on to say that the money collected by the fund are used for, among other things, to control poaching, protect residents and their properties against life threatening wild animals and so on.

The paper also reports that PAC had agreed with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Maimuna Tarishi that her department will sit with auditors to discuss this matter and the Fund’s overall operating framework in the hope of clarifying the alleged revenue shortfall.

Oil firm invites locals to venture in exploration

The Minister for Minerals and Energy Mr. William Ngeleja hailed SWALA Oil and Gas (Tanzania) Limited during the signing of Partnership Sharing Agreements (PSAs) with the firm yesterday for involving local shareholders from the beginning of its venture. ‘Though the areas of exploration are of high risk as there is no prior geo-physical data yet, Swala has decided to involve local entrepreneurs from the very beginning,’ the Minister said as per the Daily News. Mr. Chris Opperman, Swala’s Director of Business Development, said his firm were very keen on partnering with local investors and communities saying that they would issue free carried shares to people where exploration would be conducted. ‘Once we strike oil or gas and we start fully fledged production we will then float some of our shares at the D[ar es salaam] S[tock] E[exchange],” he said.

Page One: Key stories of the day

Deputy Minister Harrison Mwakyembe insists he was poisoned

Despite police finding no evidence of foul play, Minister Mwakyembe, and his ally Minister Samuel Sitta, are convinced that he is a victim of an assassination attempt.

Tanzania deemed a haven for money laundering schemes

Along with Pakistan, Indonesia, Ghana and Thailand, Tanzania is apparently amongst countries that have failed to meet international standards in the fight against financial crimes.

CUF in disarray

The Civic United Front (CUF) is struggling to deal with the Hamad Rashid fallout as key party figures resign in protest to the Wawi’s MPs expulsion from the party.

President Kikwete comes to the aid of farmers

The government has initiated a bailout for farmers in Arusha hit by long-term drought.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘Govt should spend more on agriculture’ | The Citizen
• ‘Tanzania at WEF: rekindled hope for our Kilimo Kwanza’ | Daily News
• ‘Darker side of globalization comes to Tanzania | The East African
• ‘Mabadiliko katiba CCM yalete tija badala ya mgawanyiko’ [Change in CCM’s constitution should bring benefits rather than division] | Majira
• ‘Hoja ya January kuhusu kodi za pango ifanyiwe kazi mapema’ [January (Makamba)’s bill on hosuing rent should be addressed urgently] | Habari Leo
• ‘Doctors’ strike: the wider picture’| The African

Other stories of note:

• ‘Excitement as more gas is discovered’ | The Citizen
• ‘Activists want death penalty to curb graft’| Daily News
• ‘Nape: Viongozi wa dini msilalamike’ [Nape: Religious leaders, stop complaining] | Majira
• ‘Zitto aitupia ‘dongo’ Serikali’ [Zitto throws ‘mud’ at the government] | Mtanzania
• ‘Cardinal Pengo backs “zero tolerance” on sex abuse | This Day
• ‘Small farmers to access tractors for hire’ | The Guardian
• ‘Watumiaji wa runingwa sasa “kukamuliwa’” [Analogue users to be squeezed] | Habari Leo
• ‘Babu wa Loliondo atangaza muujiza mpya’ [Loliondo “Babu” proclaimes a new cure] | Nipashe
• ‘Now late blooming Dar goes online, media grasps power of social sites’ | The East African
• ‘Zanzibar MPs protest Tanzania bid for more sea’ | The East African
• ‘RC warns of looming famine as 8,000 families face food crunch?’ | The Citizen

Business Headlines:

• ‘Central Bank predicts single-digit inflation ’ | Daily News
• ‘EA central bankers on the spot as public policy, politics clash’ | The East African
• ‘ATCL: We will be high in six months’ | The African
• ‘Gold to last in 90 years (sic)’ | The African
• ‘Twiga Cement raises production despite power shortage’ | The Guardian
• ‘Pests threaten orange exports: expert | The Citizen

Regional Headlines:

• ‘Reasons behind Kenyan VP elbow-out of G7 political team’ | The Citizen
•  ‘Africa needs truly people-centred Green Revolution’ | Daily News
• ‘Why all the fuss about Robert Mugabe?’ | This Day
•  ‘Sudan delays China debt, exports $400mln of gold | The African
• ‘Uchunguzi usafi wa maji Ziwa Victoria waanza’ [Investigation over cleanliness of Lake Victoria water starts] | Nipashe
• ‘Kenya – Tanzania border closed over vehicle levy’ | Daily News

Page One: A summary

Deputy Minister Harrison Mwakyembe insists he was poisoned

For the past few weeks, Deputy Minister of Harrison Mwakyembe has been struggling with ill health the cause of which has been a mystery. The situation has become so serious that news has circulated that the President is looking to replace Dr. Mwakyembe as he is deemed to be in no shape to continue with his job as a minister. The situation became even more complicated over the weekend. On Friday, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Robert Manumba told reporters that he was not convinced, based on the evidence, that the Minister had been poisoned. But the story took an interesting turn when Dr Hadji Mponda, the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, who has had problems of his own in recent weeks, told The Citizen that the DCI may have broken the law if, by any chance, he had read Dr. Mwakyembe’s medical file, without the latter’s permission. “Ask the DCI to clarify his statement, because we have not written any report. Under normal circumstances, after a doctor makes a diagnosis, he may write a report and give it to the patient. Therefore, a report from Apollo hospital in India is with Dr Mwakyembe himself.’ Dr. Mponda suggested that doctor-patient confidentiality precludes investigators from reading information patients receive from their physicians. He went on to say that for the DCI’s conclusion to have any credibility he needed to reveal his source.

Meanwhile, the issue appears to have divided cabinet colleagues. Former Speaker of Parliament and current Minister for East African Cooperation Mr. Samuel Sitta speaking at a Catholic Church gathering forcefully supported his friend and longtime politically ally, Dr. Mwakyembe’s assertions. Mr. Sitta said the police were trying to mislead and deceive the public and that he was in no doubt that Dr. Mwakyembe had been poisoned. ‘I as a minister cannot lie about this issue, but when the police force misleads the people by contradicting that Dr. Mwakyembe was not poisoned while he has evidence [I am compelled to speak out],’ Majira quoted him as saying. According to The Citizen, the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, asked Mr Sitta to provide them with evidence so the allegations could be investigated. On his part, DCI Director Manumba told Majira that, ‘I am not going to continue arguing but what Dr. Mwakyembe said is his own opinion.’ He went on to say that his department will prepare their report and deliver it to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action. However, he was adamant that there was absolutely no evidence that Dr. Mwakyembe had been poisoned, the paper reported.

Tanzania deemed a haven for money laundering schemes

According to a report by The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Tanzania has been put on a black-list of countries that are considered high-risk areas of money laundering activities that could be responsible for financing terrorism, This Day reports.

FATF, a supposedly internationally recognized money – laundering watchdog, says that ‘despite Tanzania’s high-level commitment to work with FATF and the Eastern and South African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) to address its…inefficiencies, Tanzania has not made sufficient progress.’

In 2006 , Tanzania published the anti-Money Laundering Act, established the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in 2007 and passed another law the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds Crime Act in 2007 to fight financial crimes in the country. But critics say while the legal framework exist to be serious about this issue, enforcement is another matter. ‘The FIU was set up with a technical assistance from the US government. It was supposed to have 300 strong work force, but is now being manned by hardly a dozen people,’ a source told This Day.

CUF in disarray

Ever since the Civic United Front (CUF) went into a coalition government with their once arch-rivals CCM in Zanzibar, it has been unclear, what, exactly will be the future of what was once the strongest opposition party in Tanzania. But rumors of internal power struggles have distracted the party from any such serious contemplations. The intra-party wrangling came to a head two months ago when Hamad Rashid, the former leader of the parliamentary opposition was stripped of his CUF membership and effectively kicked out of the party, for what was reported as his undermining of his party’s leadership.

Headlines today such as ‘CUF continues to splinter (Tanzania Daima)’, ‘Leaders keep running away from CUF’ (Nipashe), ‘Leaders in CUF relinquish their posts, party membership’ (Majira), ‘The ghost of Hamad Rashid is destroying CUF’ (Mtanzania) will not be particularly helpful in helping the party restore confidence. These stories merely work to cement the public perception of CUF as a party imploding.

What does this mean for CCM and the coalition? That question could be answered by another: would you really want to be in government with a party that does not appear capable of governing itself? There is something to ponder for the Zanzibari political leadership.

President Kikwete comes to the aid of farmers

According to the Daily News, President Jakaya Kikwete has come to the rescue of drought-hit families in North-East Tanzania with a Tshs11.2bn/- programme that will benefit over 6,000 households. ‘Today, I am personally handing over 500 cattle and 30 goats to the first 16 households of Longido, but the project being inaugurated will benefit more than 6,000 families in this district as well as Monduli and Ngorongoro,’ the President said. Arusha region, reportedly lost more than 700,000 livestock due to the severe drought that affected the region between 2009 and early 2010.

(To have The Daily Media Tracker delivered directly to your inbox everyday, subscribe at publications@serengetiadvisers.com)

Page One: Key stories of the day

Women’s parliamentary special seats debate divides MPs

A suggestion that term limits should be imposed on women MPs occupying special seats polarizes parliament.

PAC does it again: Tsh25bn/- disappears from the Ministry of Tourism

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) accuses officials at the Ministry of Tourism of possible malfeasance after the CAG discovers unexplained fall in revenue from tourism.

Land issues in the news

Tanzania Investment Centre identifies land for investment, in the midst of warnings of a lack of coherent policies on the issue.

From presidential nominee to parliamentary candidate: Is Dr. Slaa heading back to Bunge?

Former Chadema presidential candidate looks set to run for his party’s nomination to vie for the vacant parliamentary seat of Arumeru East.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘What does Zambia’s victory teach us’ | The Citizen
• ‘New thinking needed in job creation plans’ | The Guardian
• ‘Tutumie vizuri uhuru wa kupashana habari’ [Let’s use wisely the freedom to break news] | Nipashe
• ‘Doctors’ strike: What is the wider picture?’ | Daily News
• ‘Our politics is purely a dirty game’ | The African
• ‘Bunge intransigence, indecisive presidency bad for the economy’ | Business Times

Other stories of note:

• ‘Sitta kuhojiwa tena kuhusu Mwakyembe’ [Sitta to be interviewed again [by police] over Mwakyembe] | Tanzania Daima
• ‘Zitto sincerity over mining matters challenged’ | The African
• ‘Bilal says Uranium mining poses no health risks’ | Daily News
• ‘Time National Kiswahili Council woke up’ | The Guardian
• ‘Do investment policies prefigure likely partners? Competition from US agricol [sic] land grabs’ | Business Times
• ‘PCCB warns against bribery in Arumeru poll’ | The Citizen
• ‘Dawa ya vikombe viwili mara tatu yatibu mamia Songea’ [Two medicine cups, times three cures hundreds in Songea] | Mwananchi
• ‘Uamuzi kesi ya Dowans, TANESCO Jumatatu’ [Decision on the Dowans, TANESCO case on Monday] | Habari Leo
• ‘CCM wageukana kesi ya Lema’ [CCM contradict one another over Lema’s case] | Tanzania Daima
• ‘Bandari ya Kigoma yawa lulu kwa nchi jirani’ [Kigoma’s port the pearl of regional neighbours] | Mtanzania
• ‘Tanzania: Where are intellectuals?’ | The African

Business Headlines:

• ‘BoT streamlining financial services’ | The Guardian
• ‘Tanzania: new mining legislation starts to bear fruits’ | Business Times
• ‘2012 outlook spoils African Barrick dividend party’ | Daily News
• ‘At one trillion/- deficit, Tanzania should prepare to go the IMF way’ | The African
• ‘Mapungufu ya sheria za mikataba ya uchimbaji gesi asili’ [There is a lack of regulatory laws on gas exploration] | Nipashe
• ‘BoT okays Treasury Bills, oversubscribed by Sh173bn’ | The Citizen

Regional Headlines:

• ‘Experts: EAC not ready for Monetary Union’ | The African
• ‘Raila, Ruto political war goes to Kenya parliament’ | The Citizen
• ‘EA economy(sic) to grow at 6.8pc this year – report’ | The Guardian
•  ‘IMF, Imperialism and The Hague: Bringing Africa to free markets, free elections, rule of law’ | Business Times
• ‘Demokrasia yakosa nafasi nchini Libya’ [No place for Democracy in Libya] | Mwananchi
• ‘Rais wa Somalia kuisambaratisha Al Qaeda’ [Somali President promises to disrupt Al Qaeda] | Tanzania Daima

Page One: A summary

Women’s parliamentary special seats debate divides MPs

It is a truth widely believed that in electoral politics, it is never a good idea to alienate women voters. CCM may have made that mistake this week by suggesting to its women MPs that their special seats are now going to be limited to a maximum of two terms. According to Habari Leo, some met the news with vehement opposition, but others welcomed the suggestion. Assumpter Mshama, CCM MP from Nkenge, told the paper that two terms are enough to gain the necessary experience to run for electoral office. ‘I ask you to believe in ourselves and we can fight, this is our opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities,’ she said to her fellow women special seats MPs.

Others, however, were not so enthused with the announcement from the party’s hierarchy. Dr. Mary Mwanjelwa, specials seats from Mbeya suggested that it was not smart politics for CCM to choose to limit itself on this front when other parties may not follow suit. ‘Women special seats MPs do not exist in CCM alone, there are there in other parties as well. If CCM goes ahead with this while other parties continue with the system of having special seats MPs of up to 10 years, then what will happen?’, she said. One member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) told Tanzania Daima, anonymously, that the whole concept of special seats should be scrapped for it has no benefits and only increases the costs of Bunge. ‘America, Britain and even Kenya do not have special seats. Tanzania, these MPs benefit us how?’ he asked.

Diana Chilolo, who is a special seats MP from Singida, said instituting term limits was not a bad idea and should be included in any referendum on the new constitution. ‘It is a good decision on the part of [CCM’s] UWT. The constitution is for all Tanzanians, and if it is included [in the new constitution] that these positions should be eliminated, then I am ready to go to the constituency and fight,’ she said.

So, it seems like it all depends on how CCM frames the issue. If they are able to argue that this is a way to make sure that their MPs are electorally more accountable than the opposition, then it may prove to be a winner.

PAC does it again: Tsh25bn/- disappears from the Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources finds itself under intense scrutiny today after the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) found that there is a Tshs25bn/ shortfall in its revenue accounts. ‘From the report submitted by the Controller’s Auditor General (CAG), it reveals that over Sh25 billion has been spent improperly in the past year and this spending is not in the government’s accounts,’ John Cheyo MP (Bariadi – UDP) and Chairman of PAC was quoted by Mwananchi.

According to The Guardian, Mr. Cheyo was baffled by the Ministry’s revenue, which show that tourism brought in 52bn/- last year, a drop from 77bn/- in 2010 while at the same time, the number of visitors has increased in that same time period. ‘The tourists have been paying a lot of money but revenue has been dropping…this is an indication that there is something wrong in the ministry,’ Mr. Cheyo said.

Mtanzania reports that the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Maimuna Tarithi failed to give an explanation for the alleged discrepancy. But The Guardian’s story has Ms. Tathiri arguing that a lack of an efficient ‘electronic system to co-ordinate revenue collection’ and ‘carelessness’ was responsible for the revenue loss. It seems that Mtanzania got a little too excited with the narrative of a scandal and allowed it to interfere with objective reporting, a little unprofessional on their part, sorry to say.

Land issues in the news

The Citizen is reporting that ‘The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) has identified 360,000 hectares of land across the country for investment purposes.’ According to Dr. John Matthew, that government institutions and individuals own the land, and is geared towards encouraging large-scale agriculture. ‘200,000 hectares from the two government institutions and 160,000 hectares from individual Tanzanians,” Dr Mathew said.

Elsewhere, it has been argued that incoherent and weak policies on land coupled with corruption are to blame for a lack of a progressive approach to the issue and may be a cause of conflict in Africa. The Chief of Land Policy Initiative (LPI) Dr. Joan Kagwibja, who was speaking at a seminar in Dar es Salaam, was quoted by The African as saying, ‘in the Democratic Republic of Congo there are varieties of natural resources like minerals, forestry and fisheries which turn to be a curse to the country, hence we need to address this issue before ratifying the process of forming a single policy in Eastern African countries.’

From presidential nominee to parliamentary candidate: Is Dr. Slaa heading back to Bunge?

The chairman of Chadema and leader of the opposition Mr. Freeman Mbowe appears to be encouraging Mr. Willbroad Slaa to follow his example and run for parliament in the soon to be held by-election in Arumeru East. Chairman Mbowe told Mwananchi that, ‘On the issue of running, personal decisions are paramount. But if Dr. Slaa decides to run for parliament in Arumeru East, then we will respect his decision.’ Chairman Mbowe unsuccessfully ran for President in 2005 and opted to seek a parliamentary seat in the 2010 general election. Dr. Slaa was Chadema’s presidential nominee in those elections and garnered 27% of the vote, the highest the party has ever received since the introduction of multiparty democracy in Tanzania in 1995.

Page One: Key stories of the day

It’s the economy, stupid: Inflation falls, but is it enough to re-instill confidence?

Tanzania’s inflation rate fell slightly in January but there is a question mark as to how much that will improve the country’s economic outlook.

The Prime Ministers’ office cited for mismanagement of funds

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee accuses the disaster management unit in the PM’s office of unaccounted expenditures.

Unhealthy ministers raise fears of underperformance

Five key ministers are reported to be suffering from long-term health problems that could compel the president towards a cabinet re-shuffle.

The government in a tiff with the IMF over mining policy

The Tanzanian government pushes back forcefully against the International Monetary Fund’s suggestion that it introduces a one-off royalty payment system.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘Industrialization key to economic development’ | The African
• ‘CCM, hali ya kiuchumi na kisiasa Tanzania Leo’ [CCM, the state of the economy and politics in Tanzania today] | Rai
• ‘Do more to take the pressure off Dar port’| The Citizen
• ‘Sheria ya maadili ya viongozi irekebishwe?’ [The law on leaders’ wealth should be reformed] | Nipashe
• ‘Mkombozi wa uchumi wa Tanzania ni Watanzania wenyewe’ [The savior of Tanzania’s economy are Tanzanians themselves] | Mwananchi
• ‘Viti maalumu viwe na ukomo’ [Special seats should have a term limit] | Tanzania Daima

Other stories of note:

• ‘Chinese firms start constructing of UDSM buildings’| The Guardian
• ‘Need to address disparities in education’ | The African
• ‘Rift intensifies in CUF leadership’ | The Citizen
• ‘Mwinyi mwenyekiti wa baraza la wazee’ [Mwinyi chairman of [newly formed CCM’s] council of elders | Uhuru
• ‘Dk. Slaa apewa mtihani mzito’ [Dr. Slaa given a difficult test [asked to run in East Arumeru by-election]] | Tanzania Daima
• ‘Katiba Mpya: Chadema ngoma bado’[New Constitution: Chadema not yet ready to play ball] | Rai
• ‘Special heart hospital underway’| Daily News
• ‘Wanaochafua wenzao CCM kunyimwa kura’ [Those attacking fellow CCM candidates to be denied votes] | Habari Leo
• ‘Uhaba fedha za utafiti chanzo upatikanaji dawa za asili’ [Lack of scientific research funding leads people to traditional medicine] | Majira
• ‘Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab wasimamishwa shule’ [[Student who created] Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab [clubs] expelled] | Uhuru
• ‘Ubunge viti maalumu moto’ [Debate over special parliamentary seats heats up] | Nipashe

Business Headlines:

• ‘AngloGold profit hits $1.3bn’ | The Citizen
• ‘Uwekezaji nchini haujawanufaisha wazawa’ [Investment in the country has yet to benefit citizens] | Mwananchi
• ‘Dar set for robust iron industry’ | Daily News
• ‘Mortgage applications down as demand falls’ | Daily News
• ‘Climate change effects on water could cost 2 pct of GDP | The Guardian
• ‘Oil, gas explorations unregulated: report’ | The Citizen

Regional Headlines:

• ‘Malawi authorities in discussion on how to fizzle out strike by judiciary officials’ | The Guardian
• ‘South Sudan: Life without oil as transit fees bring deadlock’ | Daily News
• ‘600 Ugandan girls “exported” to Malaysia’s sexual industry’ | The Citizen
• ‘[Kenya’s] VP in trouble over Mutula views’ | The Citizen
• ‘Waziri avunja hafla ya “mashoga” nchini Uganda’ [Minister breaks up a meeting of gay activists in Uganda] | Mwananchi
• ‘Khartoum “yashambulia” Sudan Kusini’ [Khartoum “attacks’ South Sudan] | Mtanzania

Page One: A summary

It’s the economy, stupid: Inflation falls, but is it enough to re-instill confidence?
‘Relief’ and ‘caution’ are the buzzwords circulating today with regards to the Tanzanian economy after the National Bureau of Statistics released figures suggesting that inflation has fallen slightly from 19.8% in December to 19.7% in January. The African was bullish on the figures arguing that the 0.1% fall indicates that the economy, hit by persistent power cuts and high fuel prices, was on the mend, ‘contrary to forecast[s] of its likelihood to cross the 20% mark which economists’ were predicting a few weeks ago. The Citizen, however, took a less celebratory tone pointing out that the January number was a ‘more-or-less stagnant figure.’ The paper quoted Prof. Haji Semboja of the University of Dar es Salaam saying that, ‘the released data shows that most of the factors pushing the inflation up, either remained constant or they are starting to fall.’

However, the fact that the Consumer Price Index rose to 2.3% shows that all may not be well with inflation. ‘The production costs are still very high and the government move to increase electricity tariffs will automatically raise the inflation rate in the country,’ Prof. Elisante ole Gabriel, a lecturer at Mzumbe University told The Citizen. Another economist, Dr. Honest Ngowi, also of Mzumbe, told the Daily News that, ‘so long [as] the rate is double digit[s], it is still higher (sic) and it is bad for the economy.’ Even The African, despite its positive spin on the news and its quoting of the IMF’s prediction that by next June inflation will fall back to single digits, did say that, ‘the slight fall in inflation will not have positive effect (sic) on lives of common mwananchi.’

The Prime Ministers’ office cited for mismanagement of funds
First, it was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that had to endure the forensic questioning of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Then it was the Labour and Employment Ministry. And yesterday it was the turn of the Prime Minister’s Office. The PM, Mr. Mizengo Pinda, who has had to endure a couple of weeks of bad press, would not have been happy to hear his office being accused of mismanagement of public funds set aside for disaster management. According to the Daily News, 1.5bn spent on the Kilosa’s flood disaster has not been ‘properly accounted for.’ The Chairman of PAC Mr. John Cheyo, MP, (Bariadi – UDP) demanded to see a more detailed report of the PMO’s expenses from Controller Auditor General’s (CAG) report. Furthermore, the committee questioned why the unit responsible for disaster management was seemingly incapable of responding to disasters effectively, such as the Gongo la Mboto and Mbagala explosions or more recently,  the Dar es Salaam floods. ‘The disaster Unit is one of weak areas in your office; it has a lot of challenges that need attention,’ said Mr. Cheyo.

Meanwhile, The Guardian is reporting that conflicting objectives between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) is holding back the sector. The CAG Mr. Ludovic Utuoh was quoted as saying that, ‘in our investigations, we found that the two authorities have conflicting objectives on forest management…at the district level, emphasis is more on reaching and preferably exceeding, minimum annual revenue collection targets even if that would mean harvesting more forests…so, more pressure is placed on forest officers to issue licenses as a means to increase revenue to the district,” he said. But officials at the ministry want to maintain upper limits by harvesting volumes based on sustainable yield models.

Yesterday, there were suggestions that if there was a reshuffle, the PM was not necessarily invulnerable. Today, we are witnessing another round of stories that reflect negatively on the PM. It has not been a good start to the year for Mr. Pinda, has it?

Unhealthy ministers raise fears of under-performance
Rumors of a cabinet reshuffle continue to gain traction, with Mwananchi leading the way with a front-page story that suggests that the prolonged health problems of some ministers will force the hand of the President on a shake-up. The Ministers in question include Prof. Mark Mwandosya at the Ministry of Water, Deputy Minister of Works Harrison Mwakyembe, Trade and Industries Dr. Cyril Chami, Matthias Chikawe Good Governance Minister at the President’s Office and the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Celina Kombani.

Dr. Cyril Chami pushed back hard against suggestions that his health was in anyway limiting him from fulfilling his ministerial duties. He told reporters, while it is indeed true that he was ill and had to travel to India for treatment, he was now healthy and back to work. ‘I participated in the recent parliamentary session in Dodoma and now I am touring factories. Does that seem like my health is undermining me?’ he said to the paper. According to Nipashe, Dr. Chami believes that those spreading rumors about his supposed poor health are playing dirty politics.

On her part, Ms. Celina Kombani, who did not participate in the recently concluded Bunge session, when reached by phone said that her health was a private matter. ‘Is someone being sick news? If someone goes abroad for treatment is that news? I travel abroad all the time for work and not once was I questioned about it.’

As for rumors of a cabinet reshuffle, State House Director of Communications Mr. Salva Rweyemamu spoke with Clouds FM on the issue. ‘When the president decides to do that, he’ll do so of his own volition,’ he said.

Government in a tiff with the IMF over mining policy
Minutes obtained by The Citizen of a meeting of government officials reveal that the government rejected a proposal by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to introduce a single royalty payment system for the mining industry. The paper reports that officials believed that, ‘royalty collections from the mining companies would drop drastically if the government opted to the single royalty payment system,’ hence their reluctance to heed to the proposal from the IMF.

The Citizen goes on to report that, ‘the government is ready to consider another proposal by the IMF that involves introducing a resource rent tax, as is the case in some countries. Nevertheless, that taxation could only be implemented in a few mines.’

Page One: Key stories of the day

Transparency: Public figures’ wealth under spotlight

The Ethics Secretariat announces plans to carry out nationwide verification of leaders’ declared assets.

Streamlining bureaucracy: Government to create a single agency for work permits

In a bid to stem the abuse of the country’s immigration system, the government will bring three agencies under one organization to deal with work permit issues.

The Cabinet may be heading for a reshuffle

Reports are circulating that President Kikwete is preparing to shake-up what is perceived to be his underperforming group of ministers.

President Kikwete praised for his handling of the constitutional review process

A newly published report applauds the President’s approach and argues that it may have helped restore faith in CCM. 

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘Tanzania’s peace and unity, courtesy of CCM MPs’ | The Citizen
• ‘Wafuateni kina Zitto, January Makamba [kwenye Twitter]’ [Follow the example of Zitto and January Makamba [on Twitter]] | Raia Mwema
• ‘Govt. challenged minerals should benefit people’ | The African
• ‘Waziri Mkuu Pinda una suri ngapi? [How many faces do you have, Prime Minister Pinda? | Nipashe
• ‘Serikali mfukoni mwa wawekezaji’ [The government in the pockets of investors] | Mwanahalisi
• ‘Mchakato wa ndani kumpata mgombea Arumeru Mashariki usikengeuka maadili ya chama’ [The party’s primary to get its nominee for the East Arumeru by-election shouldn’t go against [CCM’s] ideals] | Uhuru

Other stories of note:

• ‘Mkapa calls for industrialization, increased production’| The African
• ‘Kikwete anusurika, awang’oa wenzake’ [Kikwete survives, removes others] | Raia Mwema
• ‘2.7 million Tanzanians are unemployed – govt’ | The Guardian
• ‘Kiza kinene kujiuzulu kwa Waziri Mponda’ [Darkness surrounds the issue of whether the [health] Minister Mponda will resign | Nipashe
• ‘[Zanzibar] Govt of national unity “shaky”’| Daily News
• ‘Nani kasema nini, kasimamia nini katika mkutano uliopita Bunge?’ [Who said what, on what issues in the recently concluded Parliamentary session?] | Raia Mwema
• ‘Anne Kilango: Msaliti au mtetezi wa wanyonge?’ [Anne Kilango: Traitor or defender of the poor?] | Mwanahalisi
• ‘Police: We’re still probing arrested activists’ | The Citizen
• ‘UDSM embarks on expansion project’ | Daily News
• ‘Kiongozi wa UVCCM atokomea na mamilioni’ [Leader of UVCCM disappears with millions] | Mwananchi

Business Headlines:

• ‘Are mobile money services in EAC reaching people at the bottom of the pyramid?’ | The African
• ‘Govt wants ATCL to shape up businesswise’ | The Citizen
• ‘Experts fault mining companies on revenues’ | Daily News
• ‘Tanzania imports over 40,000 bajajs in ten years’ | The Guardian
• ‘Mbeya yajipanga kuimarisha soko la kahawa’ [Mbeya  organizes itself to strengthen the coffee market] | Habari Leo
• ‘NBC injects 1bn/- to mortgage company’ | The African

Regional Headlines:

• ‘Bukuku: Overloading costs EAC over USD1bn annually’ | The Guardian
• ‘Is Zanzibar really involved in the integration of the East African Cooperation?’ | Daily News
• ‘Besigye lashes out at Museveni over oil deals’| The Citizen
• ‘Negotiation on to eliminate EAC trader barriers’ | The African
• ‘Somalia yaanza kupata matumaini’ [Somalia starts to feel hopeful] | Mwananchi
• ‘Minister [Abdallah Abdallah] for solid EAC integration’ | The Guardian

Page One: A summary

Transparency: Public figures’ wealth under spotlight
The Ethics Secretariat has announced its plans to carry a countrywide verification process of public leaders’ declared assets. The Commissioner of the Secretariat, Judge Salome Kaganda, was quoted in The Guardian saying, ‘We decided to be more transparent this time to let the public know that even after the leaders have declared their wealth the Secretariat makes a follow up to establish whether what has been declared is true.’ If the true wealth discovered does not match the one declared then that leader could face the prospect of being sacked, she said.

Mtanzania reported that amongst those who are going to be interviewed are prominent politicians that include the Minister for East African Cooperation Mr. Samuel Sitta, the Member of Parliament for Ubungo Mr. John Mnyika and rapper turned MP for Urban Mbeya, Joseph Mbilinyi a.k.a Sugu.

The list of 60 people subject to the verification exercise is not only made up of politicians, however. It also includes heads of state-run organisations, judges, mayors, district commissioners and permanent secretaries, reported Nipashe. The law governing public servants’ ethics stipulates that officials are mandated to declare their wealth 30 days after taking office, within 30 days of leaving office and at the end of each year, said the Daily News. Judge Kaganda urged the public to help. ‘The public can disclose assets and liabilities which public leaders might have greedily acquired but concealed,’ she said. Judge Kaganda also asked public officials under verification to cooperate fully. ‘This is a normal legal exercise…it doesn’t mean we suspect them,’ The Citizen quoted her saying.

Streamlining bureaucracy: Government to create a single agency for work permits
The government is working on a system under which three agencies currently responsible with issuing work permits – the Immigration Department, Tanzania Investment Centre and the Ministry of Labour and Employment – will be merged, The Citizen reports. Permanent Secretary Eric Shitindi,  who was briefing members of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said, ‘We have already started the process of establishing the new system which we  are confident will help to solve problems related to issuing work permits to foreigners.’

According to the Daily News, PAC members were concerned that the current system was prone to ‘laxity and was easy to manipulate.’ One Lucy Owenya, a special seats MP for Chadema launched what some may perceive as a xenophobic tinged tirade against foreigners who she claims steal jobs from Tanzanians. The bid to review the work permit system is necessary as it will make sure that jobs in Tanzania are prioritized for Tanzanians first before being offered to foreigners, the Chairman of PAC John Cheyo said. According to the paper, Ms Owenya ‘queried the influx of Chinese dealers in Kariakoo and other areas of Dar es salaam, especially at garages, wondering whether such mechanical works could not easily be carried out by locals.’ If the system is fixed, then youth unemployment will fall, since currently, they have to compete for jobs with foreigners, the MPs said. Mr. Cheyo urged the government to take a leaf from the British who stamp visitors’ visas with an ‘employment prohibited stamp,’ he said.

The Cabinet may be heading for a reshuffle
Tanzania Daima is reporting that President Jakaya Kikwete is getting ready to reshuffle his cabinet following high profile instances of very public errors by key ministers. Ministers who spoke to the paper anonymously say the President was waiting for his party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to conclude before he pulls the trigger on the reshuffle. According to the paper, Minister of Health Dr. Haji Mponda and his Deputy Dr. Lucy Nkya are on their way out following their highly publicized, botched handling of the doctors’ strike.

MwanaHalisi is also reporting that a shake-up is imminent. A source, anonymous as well, tells the paper that another reason compelling the President to contemplate a reshuffle has something to do with the fact that some important ministers have been struggling with their health for a long time. These include Professor Mark Mwandosya, at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. Cyrill Chami and Deputy Minister Harrison Mwakyembe at the Ministry of Works. Their illnesses have compelled them to seek treatment abroad, and, the source says, ‘it’s not wise to allow them to stay when they barely spend time at their jobs.’ The source also said that the recent doctors’ strike may claim a high level victim. ‘In this political environment even Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda may be removed as the crisis happened on his watch, exacerbated by ministers who report to him and he himself poured gasoline on the fire when he threatened the doctors.’ The paper goes on to suggest that another Minister who may be vulnerable if a reshuffle were to happen is Mr. William Ngeleja at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals who has been struggling for a while with the power crisis and has had to deal with intense criticism from Parliament over his stewardship of the country’s extractive industries and his response to the David Jairo scandal.

Who stands to benefit if  there are indeed changes coming? The paper claims that David Mwakyusa, the MP for West Rungwe and Godfrey Zambi from Mbozi East are the names to watch should a reshuffle happen.

President Kikwete praised for his handling of the constitutional review process
The Economic Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) January report on Tanzania argues that President Kikwete’s big tent approach to the debate over the new constitution has gone a long way towards alleviating some of his party’s political troubles that it has had to confront in recent weeks, The Citizen reports.

While the report suggests that intra-party divisions within CCM may continue, the ruling party looks set to win in 2015 elections despite the emergence of Chadema as a real and strong force of opposition in Tanzanian politics. While Chadema may increase its share of the vote at the next general election, it will still be a long time before the party gets to be in government, the report says. President Kikwete’s attempts at reforms within his party appear to have resonated with the public, the report argues, and hence he looks set to strengthen CCM’s position going into the elections in three year’s time.

(To have The Daily Media Tracker delivered directly to your inbox everyday, subscribe at publications@serengetiadvisers.com)

Page One: Key stories of the day

CCM Politics: The fall-out from the party’s announced new constitution

The ruling party’s attempt at reforms viewed with skepticism from supporters and opponents alike.

Arumeru by-election: Charges of nepotism hit CCM’s primary process

After the son of the former MP announced his intention to replace his father to the seat, the ruling party is struggling to shake off accusations of practicing dynastic politics.

Concerns over salary delays in the Foreign Service

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) critical of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation after staff complaints of late payments of remittances.

The mining industry under scrutiny

Lack of expertise undermines Tanzania’s capacity to fully benefit from its extractive industries.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘Put idle land to good use’ | The Citizen
• ‘Pinda asibebeshwe lawama zote zote mgomo wa madaktari’ [Pinda shouldn’t get all the blame over the doctors’ strike] | Mwananchi
• ‘Baraza la wazee litakuwa mzigo kwa CCM’ [Elders’ Council will be a burden to CCM] | Mtanzania
• ‘Nigerian poverty rising despite economic growth’ | The Guardian
• ‘Migogoro ya mipaka, tatizo lililokoza ufumbuzi nchini’ [Border issues a problem that is yet to be solved in the country] | Majira
• ‘Bodi ya filamu kagueni maadili, msigeuke wachuuzi’ [The ilm body regulate morality, don’t become businessmen] | Nipashe

Other stories of note:

• ‘Untested gold soil deny Government revenue’| The African
• ‘Witness mentions Lowassa in Lema petition case’| The Citizen
• ‘Tanga watahadharishwa kuhusu Al-Shabab’ [Tanga warned over the influence of Al-Shabab] | Nipashe
• ‘Environmental police in pipeline’ | Daily News
• ‘Most TB patients cured, but doctors warn…’| The Guardian
• ‘Maalim Seif: Serikali ya umoja wa kitaifa ni imara’ [Maalim Seif: Unity government strong] | Habari Leo
• ‘Wanachama 1,300 waiacha CUF Temeke’ [1,300 CUF members leave the party] | Tanzania Daima
• ‘Wanaharakati 16 watakiwa polisi leo’ [16 activists to remanded at a police station today] Mwananchi
• ‘Watendaji wizara ya ardhi kiini cha matatizo kwa wananchi’ [Administrators at the Ministry of Land source of the problem for the people] | Majira
• ‘Chifu Mshumbue Marealle II: Mchango wake kwa maendeleo ya Tanzania’ [Chief Mshumbue Marealle II: His contribution to Tanzanian development] | Nipashe

Business Headlines:

• ‘Central bank says shilling remains unpredictable’ | Daily News
• ‘Tanzania [manufacturing] hits 7.9pc growth’ | The Citizen
• ‘Coffee production drops by 32 pct’| The Guardian
• ‘Anti-GMO activists warn against American technology’ | Daily News
• ‘TRA ups cargo clearance speed’ | The Citizen

Regional Headlines:

• ‘[Kenya’s] AG moves to revive Anglo-Leasing cases’ | Daily News
• ‘EAC partner states urged to intensify fight against graft’ | The African
• ‘Former Kenya foreign minister unveils presidential [campaign] vehicle | The Citizen
• ‘Arms and men out of Libya fortify Mali rebellion’ | The Guardian
• ‘SADC backs Dlamini Zuma for AU chief’ | Daily News
• ‘Wabunge 70 wakosa mshahara Uganda’ [70 Members of Parliament miss their salaries] | Mwananchi

Page One: A summary

Politics: The fall-out from the CCM’s announced new constitution
CCM officials were scrambling to deal with skepticism across the political spectrum yesterday following its decision to change the way it elects members to its National Executive Committee (NEC). Some within the party saw the decision to reform its 1977 constitution as a way to sideline certain presidential candidates from vying for the nomination in 2015. ‘They are trying to remove certain leaders from the Central Committee so it is without strong personalities,’ one NEC member told Mwananchi. The paper also reported that one of the party’s old guard, Mr. Kingunge Ngombale Mwiru, was critical of the process, arguing that the changes proposed were invalid unless approved by the full NEC, rather than its secretariat. Some political analysts praised the move saying that it gave back power to the party’s grassroots as now NEC members will be elected at district level. However, others saw the move as another instance of the party moving farther away from its original ideals, ‘notably the Arusha Declaration, which set the leadership ethos,’ The Citizen reported.

Dr. Azakiel Lwaitama, who seems to be the analyst of choice for Tanzania’s political reporters, told Mtanzania that while on paper it may seem that the new rules will open up the NEC to fresh faces, old leaders will still be able to attend its meetings and influence its direction. ‘But that’s good too,’ he said. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) and the MP for Vunjo, who was also the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister during the Mwinyi administration in the 1990s, told the paper that the decision by his old party to give advisory positions to former presidents was a mistake. ‘Their time is over, so they should be left to retire,’ he argued. Elsewhere, Chadema’s Director of Communications John Mnyika (the MP for Ubungo) told reporters that the party would give its statement on the matter sometime today.

Arumeru by-election: Charges of nepotism hit CCM’s primary process
‘The Sumari’s son to inherit his dad’s [seat],’ declared Habari Leo. The Arumeru seat became open following the death of Jeremiah Sumari, who was the MP for the constituency, earlier this year. His son, Siyoi, has declared his intention to run for the seat. The paper jumped the gun a bit as there is still a primary for the younger Sumari to fight through first. There is another candidate vying for CCM’s nomination to run in the by-election. William Sarakikya, the son of the former Army Chief of Defence Staff General Mrisho Sarakikya, also wants to be the next MP for Arumeru, prompting Mwananchi to declare the primary a race between the children of bigwigs and once again raise the specter of nepotism and accusations of dynastic politics within CCM.

Meanwhile, Chadema have re-nominated Joshua Nasari, who came second in the 2010 election with 34% of the vote to the late Mr. Sumari’s victorious 62%, to again run for the seat, reports Habari Leo. NCCR-Mageuzi, meanwhile, are also looking to compete in the by-election and are currently in the process of nominating their candidate.

Concerns over salary delays in the Foreign Service
Mr. John Haule, the Permanent Secretary at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development told the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that his department is in such dire financial straits that they are struggling to pay their staff, especially in the foreign service. This state of affairs has affected the diplomatic core’s performance. The Tanzanian embassy in Holland, for example, has had to scale down its status to an honorary consulate, reported The Citizen, as a result of the ministry’s budgetary problems.

The Daily News quoted the PAC Chairman Mr. John Cheyo asking why Tanzania’s diplomats are complaining about delayed payment of salaries. ‘What is the problem? These are people who are in charge of our national secrets. Why should they complain for six years?’, he asked, alluding to the fact that the issue was first raised six years ago. Mr. Haule said that his department had only received Tshs80bn/- of the Tshs151bn/- it asked for. ‘We are running the ministry under difficult circumstances yet all our budget is 100 percent dependent on the government,’ he said.

The mining industry under scrutiny
The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Mustapha Mkulo believes that African countries need to do more to benefit from their natural resources. Speaking on behalf of Minister Mkulo at the regional Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE), his Deputy Mr. Gregory Theu, said, ‘This is the challenge which needs to be addressed by African countries and the Eastern African sub-region in particular.’ Meanwhile ICE’s Senior Economic Affairs Officer for East Africa said the sector is over-regulated which in turn has stifled productivity. ‘The regulations governing the mining sector should be reviewed to benefit the people since most regulations are centred on business,’ the Daily News quoted him saying.

(To have the Daily Tracker delivered directly to your inbox everyday, subscribe at publications@serengetiadvisers.com)

Page One: Key stories of the day

CCM Politics: The ruling party reforming

The National Executive Committee (NEC) announces plans to change its 1977 constitution.

Doctor’s Strike: Catholic Church praises doctor’s resolve, PM Pinda’s handling of the issue under spotlight

The head of the Catholic Church in Tanzania Cardinal Polycarp Pengo says unstriking medical practitioners were doing God’s work by serving the weak. Meanwhile, the opposition is calling for Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda’s resignation over the issue. 

Uzini by-election: CCM candidate Mohammed Raza elected to the House of Representatives

Zanzibari businessman, Mohammed Raza, successfully defended the Uzini seat in Unguja for CCM. Chadema came second ahead of CUF.

Oil deal struck in Uganda

Prospects for bringing the country’s oil to the surface get brighter with the signing of new Production Sharing Agreements with Tullow Oil.

Notable editorials/opinion pieces:

• ‘You can’t stay aloof forever: The political economy of Chinese investment in Africa’ | The East African
• ‘African Free Trade area by 2017? It’s wishful thinking’ | The Guardian,
• ‘New Constitution: The President was right in building consensus’ | The African
• ‘Trouble in Paradise: Maldives and Islamic extremism’ | The Citizen

Other stories of note:

• ‘Dar sells 34bn/= maize to WFP | Daily News
• ‘Book gives insight into stinking radar, jet deals’ | The Citizen
• ‘Tanzanian children used as guinea pigs? | This Day
• ‘Majambazi yavamia mgodi, wateka walinzi’ [Armed robbers invade a mine, kidnap guards] | Nipashe
• ‘Oman kutangaza vivutio vya utalii wa Tanzania’ [Oman to promote Tanzania’s tourists’ attraction] | Majira
• ‘Askofu aishauri serikali kuhusu sekta ya afya’ [Bishop advises the government on the health sector] | Mwananchi
• ‘How land grab threatens millions of livelihoods in Tanzania, elsewhere in Africa |This Day
• ‘Parliamentary diplomacy vital for shaping foreign policy | Daily News
• ‘Halmashauri kuanzisha Benki’ [A local council to create a bank] | Uhuru
• ‘Arusha city up in arms over Kikwete land gift to Au court’ | The East African
• ‘Towards 2015: Tanzanians need strong dictatorships’ | The African

Business Headlines:

• ‘M-pesa fees down by 75%’ | The African
• ‘Health insurance fund vows to fight ghost services in hospitals’ | The Guardian
• ‘BoT set to open new branch in Mtwara’ | The Citizen
• ‘Austrian firm to build 280/- billion rapid transit system’ | This Day
• ‘De Beers profits up’ | Daily News

 Regional Headlines:

• ‘SA hosts SADC political meeting’ | Daily News
• ‘Raila Odinga, Mudavadi wapigania kura za ODM Pwani’ [Raila Odinga, Mudavadi fight for ODM votes in the Coastal region] | Mwananchi
• ‘Jinja by-election violence suspects arrested’ | The African
• ‘Reliable, adequate power a long way off’ | The East African
• ‘Kanuni za uchanguzi Bunge la EAC’ zirekebishwe’ | Mwananchi

Page One: A summary

CCM Politics: The ruling party reforming

The Daily News reports that at a press conference on Sunday, CCM’s Secretary for Publicity and Ideology Mr. Nape Nnauye told reporters that the ruling party has began a process to reform its constitution. As part of the process, a new advisory council will be formed. Former presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa will make up part of the new council, says Uhuru, along with their Zanzibari counterparts, Dr. Salmin Amour and Abeid Amani Karume. According to The Citizen the new constitution will in principle bar the MPs from vying for the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) membership. Sources told the paper that the new rules came about as the party has resolved to make its membership a ‘full-time occupation.’ Majira suggests that the rule changes were designed to make sure entrenched interests resistant to change don’t hijack the 2015 presidential nomination.

Doctor’s Strike: Catholic Church praises doctor’s resolve, PM Pinda’s handling of the issue under spotlight

The Catholic’s Church Archbishop Cardinal Polycarp Pengo said that while he doesn’t blame medical practitioners who went on strike last week, he is nevertheless full of praise for those who went to work who, his eyes, demonstrated great sacrifice, reports Habari Leo. ‘I congratulate all the doctors and nurses who didn’t go on strike, your actions show to others that we should never put our self-interest before those who are in need,’ he said.

Elsewhere, opposition parties called on the Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda, to resign, after they claimed were his inappropriate threats to striking medical practitioners. The PM’s suggestion that he might have used force against the striking doctors and nurses excercabated the problem and demonstrated a lack of judgement on his part, they argued. Mwananchi quotes Chadema’s Chairman and the leader of opposition in parliament, Freeman Mbowe, saying that the Prime Minister had abused his power and in the process disgraced his office, ‘This [shows] weakness in judgement and character on [PM] Pinda’s part, he said after the PM’s ordered army doctors to replace the striking medical practitioners at Muhimbili.

Uzini by-election: CCM candidate elected to the House of Representative

The businessman Mohammed Raza won the Uzini by-election by 61% of the vote to successfully defend the House of Representative seat for his party, CCM, reports Uhuru. But the big news from the by-election was the third place showing of CUF’s candidate Salma Hussein Zarali, who fell behind Mr. Raza and Chadema’s Ali Mbarouk Mshimba. Chadema is not viewed as being particularly strong in the Isles while for CUF, Zanzibar is their home turf, says Mwananchi. It is fair to say that the result is slightly embarrassing for CUF, which is now in government as a coalition partner to CCM following a power-sharing agreement struck before 2010 general election.

Oil deal struck in Uganda

The Ugandan government has won key concessions from companies exploring for oil in the country, The East African reports. According to the paper, ‘[p]rospects for bringing Uganda’s oil to the surface within the revised timeframe of 2015/17 have become brighter with the signing of new Production Sharing Agreements between the government and Irish oil explorer Tullow Oil.”

(To have the Daily Tracker delivered directly to your inbox everyday, subscribe at publications@serengetiadvisers.com)

• Why is Serengeti Advisers partnering with AgriSol Energy to invest in large-scale farming in Tanzania?
• Who are the developers of the AgriSol project?
• What is AgriSol's primary objective?
• What crops will AgriSol produce?
• What is the total land area for AgriSol's project?
• In what part of Tanzania will the AgriSol project take place?
• How was the decision to relocate the refugees made?
• Will small farmers play a role in AgriSol's project?
• How will AgriSol's outreach programs be funded?
• Who is developing AgriSol's outreach programs?
• Will small farmers be consulted about their thoughts on AgriSol's outreach programs?
• What about community development and involvement?
• What are the expected benefits from AgriSol's project?
• Will there be jobs for local farmers and other people?
• Will AgriSol be buying the land from the Tanzanian government?
• Will AgriSol be selling its crops outside Tanzania?
• What is the implementation schedule for AgriSol's project?
• What is the estimated cost of the AgriSol project?