Written by
Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Tanzania. Tanzania’s government warned foreign diplomats to observe rules and procedures when they attend a case facing the main opposition leader for Chadema Freeman Mbowe.
The warning was to urge the envoys to avoid violation of available laws, and procedures, but the government said it had no intention of barring anyone from attending the currently in a city court.
The government’s message passed through Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister Liberata Mulamula to the ambassadors representing foreign countries as well as heads of institutions and international organisations residing in Tanzania.
Reason for warning
Diplomats were cautioned for having been seen at the court without following the law, regulations and procedures governing diplomatic issues including informing a responsible docket.
Mbowe’s case
Tanzanian court charged Chadema party chairman Mbowe with terrorism related offence and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania’s new President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Mbowe and other Chadema officials were arrested by the government of Tanzania at the head of a planned public meeting to demand constitutional reform on 21 July 2021.
Human rights group Amnesty International came out and asked the Tanzanian government to substantiate charges against Mbowe.
UN reacted
The European Union Delegation to Tanzania in their reaction accepted receiving the government’s caution to diplomatic corps, and they were assessing the situation regarding their security.
They defended their attendance of the court hearing of a case facing a leader of the opposition political party Chadema, Mbowe saying that it is their prerogative as a mission to follow up on the political situation in the country.
But the diplomats were urged by the head of diplomatic corps Dr Badaoui to abide by the laws and procedures adding that the security of ambassadors was a significant issue.
