Author: BOB KARASHANI

By BOB KARASHANI Speculation is on the rise following the sudden dismissal of Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Alphayo Kidata, amidst growing discontent from foreign investors and local traders over questionable tax practices. President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Zanzibar revenue chief Yusuph Juma Mwenda as the new TRA boss, moving Mr. Kidata to an unspecified advisory role in State House. This move came ahead of discussions with foreign envoys who raised concerns about unfair taxation of foreign direct investments in Tanzania. Traders in urban markets went on strike to demand a more transparent tax system to address long-standing issues…

By BOB KARASHANI Tanzania is gearing up for local government elections scheduled for late October or early November. The preparations have raised concerns among the opposition as the polls will be overseen by a government ministry instead of the electoral commission, despite recent changes in legislation. For more details, click here In Tanzania, the upcoming local government elections are causing a stir as they are being organized by a government ministry rather than the electoral commission, leading to skepticism from the opposition. Despite recent amendments to the law, concerns persist regarding the conduct of the polls. For further insights, visit…

By BOB KARASHANI The European Union Commission has cut funding for Tanzania’s wildlife conservation due to concerns over human rights violations. The country lost eligibility for an €18.4 million grant to be shared with Kenya, with the decision based on evictions of the Maasai people from Ngorongoro and Loliondo areas for tourism expansion.The World Bank also suspended funding for a $150 million conservation project in southern Tanzania, investigating human rights abuses. The EC excluded Tanzania from the NaturAfrica program, focusing on Kenya instead. Critics slam Tanzania for forced resettlements and violating indigenous rights.The EC emphasizes a human rights-based approach in…

By BOB KARASHANI Human Rights Watch has accused police guarding the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania of complicity in deaths and injuries resulting from clashes near the mine. The watchdog urges Tanzanian authorities to conduct independent investigations into these incidents. The mine, run by Barrick Gold and the Tanzanian government, has been embroiled in similar allegations since 2014. Local police are accused of using excessive force against artisanal miners and residents, resulting in killings and other abuses. Despite accusations of theft, illegal invasion, and excessive force, no arrests have been made. Human Rights Watch calls for accountability and justice…

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has once again ordered Tanzania to abolish the death penalty in accordance with the continental charter on the right to life. The court ruled on cases involving Burundi national Nzigiyimana Zabron and Tanzanian Dominick Damian, both convicted murderers on death row. Despite previous orders, Tanzania has not removed the death penalty from its legal statutes, maintaining it as punishment for murder and treason. While executions have not been carried out in Tanzania for years, over 690 prisoners remain on death row awaiting their fate. The court rejected the appeals of Zabron and…

By TANZANIA POLITICS WATCH As Tanzania gears up for civic elections in five months and a general election next year, the registration of new political parties has become a contentious issue. Two new parties, Independent People’s Party (IPP) and Action for Human Justice (AHJ Wajamaa), have expressed frustration over delays in obtaining registration certificates in time for the local government elections in October. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has reportedly halted all new registrations, leaving these parties in limbo. Despite paying the required fee for provisional registration, both parties are still waiting for approval. This delay raises…