Address
to the Nation by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania,
H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, Dar es Salaam, 3 February, 2001
Dear Compatriots,
It is my duty
to address you on the events which took place from the 26th
to 28th of last month; events which plunged our country into
a very sad and tragic state.
There is a senseless
debate going on about the number of our people who died in
the riots that took place in Zanzibar and Pemba on those days.
Our friends in CUF party are great experts in propaganda and
fabrications. In this they have been encouraged and assisted
by the media in and outside our country. It has been as if
some people are pleased that Tanzania, which has prided itself
in being an island of peace has also fallen, at last, into
the pit in which other Africans find themselves. We have been
falsely accused of incredible things; of sinking a boat carrying
people who were escaping or that there was a mass grave in
Pemba, which no one has seen. Pure lies.
The government
is in a better position than any body else to know the number
of people who died and we have been giving official information
every now and then. Up to now it is only 22. But the real
tragedy is not in the numbers; our hearts bleed because it
was not necessary for their leaders to sacrifice them; we
would bleed just as much for one person as for 100 killed.
This kind of death is not in our culture; it is not in our
traditions or in our experience. With all our political differences,
these are our citizens, they are our brothers and sisters.
Let us pray that God rests their souls in peace.
For people to
lose their lives because one person or a group of persons
want power contrary to the wishes of the majority, is a great
shame to our country and it has tarnished our history of opposition
politics.
Dear Compatriots,
For nearly 30
years Tanzania had a one party political system but it was
not a dictatorship. Personal opinions, including those that
were opposed to the ideology of the ruling party were allowed,
as long as they did not endanger our freedom, the great Zanzibar
revolution and our national interests. The one party political
ideology enabled us to mould together more than 120 ethnic
groups into the new nation of Tanzania. We greatly succeeded
under that system to eradicate all manner of discrimination
on the basis of tribe, race and religious creed. We became
an example to others. We marshalled ourselves in unity which
is the only weapon of the weak. We built a culture of solving
our problems and finding resolution of our differences through
dialogue, and respect for the force of logic and not the logic
of force.
In 1992 we believed
that our unity and solidarity were strong enough that we could
introduce a multi-party political system without adversely
affecting those positive attributes of unity, nationhood,
dialogue, national interests and development. We asked the
people and eight out of ten said that the time had not come
for introducing a multi-party political system. When I now
look at the events of the last week, I ask myself time and
again whether the people did not have better foresight than
than we who were in government did.
The problem, in
reality is not that of a multi party democracy, because in
its principles it is a good system. The problem lies in policies
and leadership of some of the political parties.
There are, for
example, leaders who established political parties not because
they had better policies or better strategies for bringing
about development or for the defence of national interests
including national unity, but because of personal political
ambitions which they could not realise through CCM.
After failing
to win the consent of the people in the last General Election,
and as they themselves declared during the campaign, now they
are resorting to violence, as a way to reach their objectives
and exhorting their members to fight against the state. They
declared that if they did not win there would be bloodshed.
The government is greatly saddened that indeed blood has been
shed. And those are poeple who want to be leaders of this
country. Let us ask ourselves over and over again, dear compatriots,
why do they want leadership, and for whose interests? On the
part of government, we shall carry out thorough investigations
and bring before the law all those that were the cause of
this great destruction, because our country is governed by
a Constitution and by law.
The right to
demonstrate.
Dear Compatriots,
Let me now turn
to the question of the right to demonstrate. There are those
who ask; if the Constitution grants this right, why does the
government deny it to CUF? There are nations of the mighty
and human rights organisations which tell us - as if we ourselves
do not know - that it is a basic right for people to hold
demonstrations and political meetings. We also know this and
on our own volition we are signatories to international Agreements
relevant to those rights. We do not, however, susbscribe to
any agreement which condones breach of the law; which condones
killing police officers, which condones training individuals
on how to fight the police; which allows violent demonstrations
with people carrying machetes, stones, acid, arrows, petrol
bombs and other weapons. With the encouragement of CUF this
is what happened in Zanzibar and Pemba. And most important
of all no agreement condones attacks on police stations with
the objective of tearing down the national flag and stealing
weapons.
The mighty ones
and our political opponents are quick to condemn government
for the steps it took to restore peace; but they are tongue
tied when it comes to what forced the police to take the steps
they took to save their own lives and to maintain the peace,
security and tranquillity of law abiding citizens and their
property.
I repeat; according
to the Constitution of our country, the right to hold demonstrations
and public political meetings is recognised and respected.
But as with all other rights, this one too has limits. And
those limits have been defined in different laws arising out
of that Constitution and passed by Parliament that was elected
by the people. It is not sufficient to only read the constitution,
it is necessary to also read the laws and procedures that
emanate from the Constitution and which define the uses and
limitations of the rights included therein.
The freedom and
right of one person, one society or group of persons stop
where the exercise of that freedom and right interferes with
the freedom and rights of others. That is why, while everyone
has the right of speech, if you make noises all night, your
neighbours have the right to take you to court for disturbing
them. That is also why, in addition to the right to start
political parties, we do not allow a political party based
on religion, or tribe. The exercise of freedom and rights
without any limitation is the start of chaos and the break
down of peace.
So, I want to
emphasise the point that the right of the people to demonstrate
and to hold meeting has not and will not be abrogated. What
we ask for is that the legal procedures and practices established
for ourselves should be respected. We do not, and will not
stop deomnstrations and meetings because of any ill intention
or because of any political objective; we shall do so only
where we are convinced that the planned demonstrations and
meetings will end up in breach of peace. Regrettably, our
experience with meetings and demonstrations of some of the
political parties, and notably CUF, is not good. Either the
leaders ofsome of those parties are not able to restrain the
behaviour and conduct of their members, or they themselves
encourage them to create trouble and to fight police officers
who are there to secure peace and security of the people and
their property.
Police powers
to prohibit demonstrations
Dear Compatriots,
Let me now address
the issue of the powers of the police to prohibit demonstrations
or public meetings organised by political parties. I do so
because there are those who claim that the police do not have
those powers. Our country is governed by law; so please bear
with me as I explain what the laws of our country say about
this matter.
The Police Force,
according to Police Law is vested with the responsibility
of ensuring that there is peace, security and tranquillity
in our country. In order to discharge that responsibilty the
Police Force has been given full responsibility to control,
supervise all meetings and demonstrations irrespective of
whether they are political or not. It has also been given
legal powers under the Political Parties Act to control public
meetings of the political parties.
Unde that law,
any political party that wishes to hold a public meeting or
organise a demonstration, is required to give notice to the
head of the police at that area no less than 48 hours before,
stating the name of the party, date and venue as well as objective
of the meeting or demonstration.
But at the same
time, the Police have legal power, after receipt of notice
to prohibit a meeting or demonstration by issuing a stop order.
That order is justified under the law and to disobey it is
a criminal offense.
When such a situation
develops, the Police have the responsibility of breaking up
that demonstration or meeting, arresting those concerned and
bringing them before a court of law. That is the rule of law,
and that is the basis of the requirement for respect of orders
given according to the law.
But the stop order
is not given without reason or given at the whim of the police.
Among other reasons the police can stop a meeting or demonstration
if:
i) There is a
plan to use the meeting or demonstration to commit an illegal
act or;
ii) There is a
great possibility of the meeting or demonstration leading
to a breach of peace.
If the political
party that gave the notice does not agree with the decision
of the police, they have the opportunity to appeal to the
Minister of Home Affairs whose decision is final. That is
the rule of law and is the only procedure that is legal in
the exercise of the right of political parties to organise
demonstrations and hold public meetings.
Dear Compatriots,
Perhaps I should
also explain the powers of the police to use weapons. The
Police Act explains the different situations in which a police
officer is allowed by the law to use weapons. Among those
situatios are the following:
i) A Police officer
is allowed by law to use a weapon against a person who is
using force to obstruct the arrest of another person; and
ii) A Police officer
is allowed by law to use a weapon when he/she believes that
his/her life or the life of another person is in danger and
there is no other way of saving it.
Furthermore, a
police officer, like any other citizen, has power under the
Penal Code to defend him/herself to protect his/her
property from destruction. That same law gives the police
officer the right to use a weapon to protect his/her life
or the life of another person against an illegal assault.
So, it is clear
that Police officers have the right and full responsibility
under the law to control and if necessary to ban or stop deomonstrations
and public meetings, but they can only do so on grounds laid
down by law. To demand the right to hold a demonstration even
if people will be killed, when there are peaceful means to
arrive at what you require, is to abuse and disrespect our
dignity and is a clear breach of the law.
A political party
with good intentions, which wants its demonstration to be
civil, peaceful and orderly will co-operate with the police.
For it is the police that has been given by the law the responsibility
of protecting the security of citizens and their property.
A political party that calls for nation wide demonstrations
at the same time, clearly does not want police co-operation.
For the objective of giving police notice is that they should
ensure there is security. It is clear our police force has
no ability to provide security for demonstrations taking place
all over the country at the same time.
There is no government
anywhere in the world which cares for the security of its
citizens and their properties which would allow demonstrations
of unruly people carrying weapons. The truth is that these
were not peaceful demonstrations. Those who died were not
on the road in a peaceful demonstration. It is those who wanted
to attack police stations and steal arms, those who took part
in the slaughter of a police officer, those who wanted to
wrestle arms from police officers who were on patrol. That
is the truth. Our police officers do not kill people for no
reason.
Only a few days
ago I returned from Davos in Switzerland. There were hundreds
of people who wanted to demonstrate, and peacefully too, without
any weapons, against us who were meeting there, but they were
absolutely prevented to do so by the police and the army of
that country. Those of you who have televisions saw it. The
reason given by the police of that country was that in their
experience with those demonstrations they could not be sure
that the planned ones would be peaceful; therefore they decided
it would be better to forbid them using all powers of the
state. These are not my words. They are theirs. And the way
I saw them, I am sure, if those police and army officers felt
overwhelmed they would not have hesitated to use bullets.
And the situation was like that at another one of those conferences
last year and at others in the US, Poland, France, Australia
and several other places.
Dear Compatriots,
After seeing the
aggressive preparations, after listening to the threats from
CUF leaders and after making thorough investigations for which
we have ample capacity, our Government saw clearly that the
demonstrations could not have been for any good purpose or
peaceful. What took place is evidence and confirms our assessment.
I would like to
ask those who rushed to condemn the government, from private
individuals, different institutions, academicians, embassies
and human rights activists; who among them have better ability
than government to investigate how those who want to stage
demonstrations have prepared themselves? And if they do not
have the ability why do they rush to condemn the government
without first seeking government explanation? But because
we are Africans, it is assumed that we are all the same in
torturing people and disregarding human rights. Every one
demands rights; and we in Government, why are we not given
the right to be heard? Instead, only media and statements
of people who were very far from the scene of the events are
the ones that are given prominence. Is that what is called
rights?
How many people
were killed by the Police?
Dear Compatriots,
CUF's language
of spilling blood did not start today. During the campaign
we warned the people in connection with that conduct which
if not checked in time could remove CUF from being a political
group to being a criminal one. That is why last year when
I was winding up my party's campaign I reminded people that
the blood of Tanzanians is very precious; it is not shed lightly.
Now we have seen them training in terrorist methods and we
have seen them trying to take by force weapons from armouries
of our security institutions. It would not be surprising if
such people were to go outside to look for arms. Our responsibilty
is to defend this country, its people and their property.
And we were elected by the people. We did not arrive at the
positions of responsibility that we occupy through use of
arms.
Many of those
that were killed wanted to take the weapons from the hands
of police officers, wanted to kill police officers and occupy
police stations as they sang "We have come to take our
weapons." Every peace loving Tanzanian must ask him/herslef
the question: arms for what purpose? And if they had obtained
those weapons what would the situation in the country be like?
As a result of
being overwhelmed, exhaustion of riot quelling materials,
fear of losing lives of many police officers and preventing
occupation of police stations which would have given CUF opportunity
to acquire more weapons, our police officers were forced to
use live ammunition. In other words all procedures for controlling
riots were followed to the letter.
In contrast to
what happened on the islands, on mainland Tanzania no demonstrations
took place at all and there were no signs of any in all regions.
It is only in Dar es Salaam region where CUF followers grouped
discreetly, and I am told, some after being paid, and went
one by one to mix with the petty traders (known as Wamachinga)
and then tried to march towards the Kidongo Chekundu grounds.
The Field Force Unit (FFU) easily contained those. The marchers
did not carry any weapons and the demonstration was stopped
and there was no loss of life. In other regions there were
no demonstrations at all.
Police use
of excessive force
Dear Compatriots,
There are people
in and outside our country and representatives of foreign
countries who rushed to claim that even with CUF's provocation,
the police used excessive force.
First, I would
like to state that our police force is very well trained and
one of the subjects which they are taught is respect for human
rights, the first one being the right to life. You must also
not forget that Pemba and Zanzibar are small in area. People
there know one another. In those circumstances it is not easy
for the police to deliberately kill their relatives, neighbours,
friends and people they know.
The marchers,
in addition to bringing down and burning CCM flags, also brought
down the national flag. When people bring down the flag of
the republic, we must ask ourselves, for what reason; and
what flag do they want to raise in its place? The one that
was lowered in 1964? When they take up arms, what is their
objective? In preventing this, what amount of force is adequate?
What is the borderline in the defense of our republic and
the lives and security of the majority? If you were a police
officer and you saw your colleague's head chopped off as if
it was that of a chicken and those who did it were pursuing
you, what would you have done? If you were the head of a police
station and saw a huge group coming to take over your station
demanding weapons, what would you have done after all efforts
to stop them were exhausted?
It is easy in
the comfort of your home to criticise the police. But the
truth is that only one at the scene of an event can assess
what level of force is necessary and sufficient op prevent
loss of lives, occupation of police stations and stealing
of weapons.
Reasons for
demonstration as stated by CUF
I would now like
us to consider those things which CUF stated were the reasons
for their wanting to stage a demonstration. They stated two
major things. First, they want a re-run of the Zanzibar election
under a new Electoral Commission. Two, they want the Constitution
to be amended.
The question we
must ask ourselves is whether carrying weapons, killing police
officers and wanting to forcefully occupy police stations
as well as bringing down the flag of the republic are the
best and legal ways to arrive at those objectives.
Since its promulgation,
our Constitution has been amended thirteen times, and where
those amendments are done is well known; it is in Parliament
and in the House of Representatives. For that is where the
real representatives of the people are to be found. Why don't
their representatives and their Members of Parliament propose
those amendments in the constitutionally designated meetings
for that purpose? Anyone who seeks power using a machete can
not be a democrat, but some of us tolerate those people and
give them big heads. Time has come for every citizen to wake
up and ask himself or herself, where do these people want
to take our country?
The demand for
a re-run of the election does not have any foundation and
even if there had been one, we would have to ask ourselves
whether the method they chose to present their demand was
correct and legal and whether it was in line with our traditions.
In making a judgement on this, I ask you wananchi to
keep the following in mind which is the truth.
First, after the
failure to implement the agreement brokered by the Commonwealth
in respect of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, the question
of its structure and leadership was discussed between the
then President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
and who is the CCM vice chairman, H.E. Dr. Salmin Amour on
one side, and CUF's secretary-general Seif Shariff Hamad on
the other. That is the truth. That after those consultations,
CUF participated in the election which was supervised by that
Commission is sufficient evidence that they were satisfied.
How can it be, that today there is a reason to start riots
of that magnitude and these deaths?
Two, all political
parties, CUF included, participated at all stages in the elections-
from voter registration, campaigns and the election itself,
knowing fully well the laws and procedures that were being
used, according to the law, governed that election and its
supervision. They began their antics immediately they sensed
the prospect of defeat. That is the truth. Had they been sure
of winning they would not have started those disturbances.
Three, both CCM
and CUF had their complaints about voter registration. Both
made formal representations to the Electoral Commission about
the procedures used. Both sides were not satisfied with some
of the decisions of the Commission, but we both continued
to participate in the election.That too is the truth. Why
should the disturbances start after the election?
Four, the shortcomings
on election day in 16 constituencies, were not at all in favour
of CCM, because they concerned many consitutencies which are
CCM's strongholds and before that of ASP and even in colonial
times. Can any intelligent person believe that CCM could be
the cause of those problems? What is more, it is CCM that
made a formal complaint concerning those distrubances. President
Karume went personally to the Electoral Commission to lodge
a complaint and to ask what was going on. CUF did not appear
to be unduly concerned and instead they concentrated on the
next stage in their strategy, to demand a transitional government
and a new election. And that too is the truth.
Fifth, our country
is governed by the rule of law. And existing law states that
only the Electoral Commission is empowered to decide whether
the shortcomings and mistakes that were committed deprived
the people of their right to vote sufficiently for it to require
a re-run of the election.
Sixth, despite
the disturbances for the first time in the 16 constituencies
in Zanzibar, the election proceeded well in the remaining
34 constituencies. More than 90% of the registered voters
cast their votes. How could so many have voted if there too
had been disturbances and violation of election procedures?
When the election
was re-run in the 16 constituencies most of them being in
the Mjini Magharibi region, 69.5% turned out to vote and most
peacefully too. In some of the countries that are critical
of us and which demand a re-run of the Zanzibar election because
the people did not get a chance to vote or they boycotted
the election, voters do not exceed 50%. Now where is the voice
of the people better heard; in their countries or in ours?
Seven, there is
no argument or legal reason to repeat the election in Zanzibar
before 2005. That is the truth and CUF members know they cannot
go to any court of law to demand it and, therefore, they decide
to riot and to look for arms instead. If everyone who lost
an election should demand a re-run of the election then we
would have no other activity but to run elections every day.
When would work for the people be done? We would not in that
situation be laying down the foundations for democracy but
for political chaos.
If we are not
happy with existing institutions, laws or election rules and
procedures, there is a place to go ask for the changes we
want to see, and where they have power to make those changes.
Even we, in CCM, are not happy about everything. But we do
know the place for making changes; where the legitimate representatives
of the people meet, and that is the Parliament of the United
Republic and the House of Representatives. But these, our
brothers and sisters, and especially CUF do not like those
official venues, they boycott them and instead they want to
take up arms and run to the streets.
I, request you
seriously, fellow Tanzanians to open your eyes. Perhaps we
have been so used to peace and tranquillity that we believe
everybody has good intentions with regard to our country.
The truth is that a political party that can start disturbances
such as took place in Zanzibar and especially Pemba can not
mean well. And if our government is not vigilant, there will
soon be no difference between us and other African countries
where people routinely kill one another. Our government sees
far, and it has state instruments to enable it to know what
is going on and what preparations are being made. Trust us,
listen to us and help us. Do not defend what you do not know
fully. Emotions do not build, they mostly destroy. And remember
it may be too late when we finally wake up to it.
Newspapers will
write, foreign nations will make statements and ambassadors
in Dar es Salaam are only here in transit. But this is our
place, we have no other country to run to. This is the country
that we wish to leave to our children and to our grandchildren
in peace and security. The state's instruments of power are
there to ensure that this is how it will be. We hate to see
the blood of any person spilled. But in the process of defending
the freedom and life of the nation, when we defend the supreme
interests of the nation, we ask you to be more keen to understand
us than to condemn us.
Relations with
foreign countries
Dear Compatriots,
One of the things
that annoy me a great deal as an individual and as your President
is this aid stick that is held over us as if we were children.
To champion good governance is a very fine thing, but when
aid that is directed towards the needy, whose objective is
to increase our capacity to end poverty is used like a stick
you use to discipline a child, any self respecting person
and any nation that deserves to be called independent can
not accept it.
On our African
continent, I believe I am one among leaders who has seriously
tried to lay down foundations of good governance and respect
for human rights. I have done so not to please the mighty,
but bearing in mind our history and following my own conscience
with regard to justice, equality, and love between human beings.
Today, in defence
of peace and security in our country, and in defense of the
cardinal principle that power and responsibility must derive
from the people and not by taking up arms, my government is
now threatened with withdrawal of aid. But as we Tanzanians
always say it is better to be poor in freedom than being rich
in slavery.
I, therefore,
want to promise you, dear compatriots, that as your President,
elected by you with 71.4 percent of the votes cast, shall
not sell my conscience, your dignity and your freedom for
the price of aid. I am certain you will join me in refusing
to sell our right to make our own decisions as a free nation.
Our poverty is in our pockets; it is not in our brains. We
are poor, but we have our human dignity and self respect.
Where do we
go from here?
Dear Compatriots,
After the disturbances
at the end of last week, our country is getting back to normal.
I pray to God that we may continue in peace, because we have
a lot of work ahead of us, fighting poverty and building our
economy.
But it is not
enough to pray to God. We, ourselves, must build understanding
amongst us, work hard, build tolerance and work hand in hand
to restore calm all over the country.
I speak with self
confidence because most of you are with me. And I know that
one of the tasks you gave me is to defend our unity, our union;
to fight against religious and ethnic divisions and to ensure
that there is peace and tranquillity in the country. It is
also my responsibility to make sure that politics remain politics
and not civil war; and the strongest pillar of peace and stability
is the practice of dialogue and not the machetes of demonstrators.
For there are those who think that because CCM members and
their supporters are quiet, they are incapable of organising
demonstrations to demand that their government should not
be disturbed, and that change of government must wait until
the next election.
I should also
remind you that in our African culture the rights of society
and nation are above those of the individual. As your President,
I shall do my utmost to protect both rights - individual rights
and those of society and nation. But where there is conflict
between the two, the rights and interests of society and nation
will always prevail. That is our culture and customs and we
intend to maintain them.
President Karume
and I have promised to do everything in our power to make
sure that the conflict situation that prevailed over Zanzibar
in the last five years does not continue. We are prepared
as government and CCM to talk to CUF. We stretched our hand
of peace to them, they beat the hand and did not receive it;
indeed they wanted to cut it off. We are not afraid of CUF
in the political arena and we will respect the right to dialogue
and to argue cases, but we shall not tolerate political disturbances
and efforts to make the country ungovernable.
In my new year
address to the people I expressed my worry that our country
is too taken up with politics. I said,
"We shall
not develop if we continue to spend all our time in endless
political meetings, from one election to another. Endless
politics and demands for endless demonstrations and meetings
do not leave us with room for liberation, politically and
especially economically."
I am unhappy that
some of my political opponents spread the lies by saying so
I have banned political meetings and demonstrations. That's
not at all true.
If there is anoy
one with any doubt, I want to repeat that the right of holding
political meetings and demonstrations is enshrined in our
Constitution which I swore to protect and uphold. It will
continue to be respected, but keeping in mind definitions
and rules and regulations laid down by laws enacted by the
legally constituted parliament. The legal requirement of 48
hours notice before holding public meetings and demonstrations
is ample proof that that right exists and is respected, but
also that there are legal procedures to be followed in its
exercise.
In the present
circumstances, without any doubt, you will agree with me that
it is not prudent for the police to permit another demonstration
until we are certain that peace and tranquillity are fully
restored. But for public meetings, I do not want the police
to pose an obstacle. As usual they should satisfy themselves
that there shall be peace. I believe, if the police are firm
and prepare themselves well, political meetings can be held
even today. But no demand should be made to hold meetings
simultaneously all over the country and at the same time.
The important thing is that meetings should be held in conditions
in which the police will easily be able to control them and
ensure they do not end up in disturbances or riots. I repeat.
We must practice civilised politics and also bear in mind
our culture and traditions.
According to those
values and traditions it is wrong to be disrespectful to a
government that is in power because of the mandate derived
from the people. Our Parliament, House of Representatives
and President Karume and I, did not put ourselves in these
positions of responsibility. The people placed us there. You
cannot say you respect people but refuse to respect the Governments
that they put in power through their votes.
The habit of giving
the Government ultimatums when one does not have a mandate
that is derived from the vote is to ignore our values and
traditions.
I, personally,
am not afraid of any facts or of any debate. I think you all
know me in this. And I am not at all worried, for I was elected
with an overwhelming majority to lead this country, as indeed
was my party. Therefore my party (CCM) and I always welcome
new ideas, new thoughts, and new advice as long as they are
positive.
We want to build
a strong foundation for political opposition governed by the
principle of argumentation and not opposition through insults
and weapons. And when we succeed to build a system, procedures
and strong commitment to political discussion and debate among
political parties, then multiparty democracy in our country
will have matured. We, in CCM, and before it, TANU and ASP,
have always maintained the policy of self criticism and self
correction. We did it in the era of one party political system;
we shall continue to do so in the multi party system.
That is why we
did not want to rush into making amendments to the Union Constitution
last year. From the recommendations of Judge Kissanga's Committee,
we only decided to deal with those that would improve the
conduct of the 2000 General Elections. We decided that the
other important matters would be dealt with after the General
Elections. Before the work could start we were given 90 days
ultimatum and the disturbances started.
I still think
we have time to return to the beginning. I ask the political
party leaders, even those that have little representation
in Parliament to return to that line. Let us work together
to strengthen the foundation of democracy - civilised democracy
- democracy based on the principle of "giving it to the
majority" but ensuring that "the minority are also
heard".
And as President
and CCM Chairman, I am ready to listen. But it is difficult
to listen to an argument being made through pressure; an argument
being advanced through distrubances during demonstrations;
an argument that is made using abusive and derogatory language.
In a situation of tranquillity I am ready to listen to those
who recognise me as President of the United Republic of Tanzania
and who recognise H.E. Karume as president of the Zanzibar
Revolutionary Government.
A proposal has
been made for there to be a meeting of political party leaders.
I am ready, not only to speak to the Chairpersons of those
political parties but to other stakeholders as well. But meetings
of top political leaders are carefully prepared for; they
are not just held because someone has demanded a meeting,
perhaps just so as to have the fame of a picture with the
President. We shall be expected to discuss important matters
concerning our nation and its fate. Therefore the meetings
must be well prepared for and the discussions focused and
seriously researched. I have instructed the CCM Secretary-General
to contact the Secretaries-General of all properly registered
political parties in order to establish a structure and format
for in-depth talks that will encompass all issues, but without
emotion or insults. When the structure and format are completed,
I am prepared to enter into talks with the Chairmen of other
political parties and if necessary any other players. On one
condition, those parties should openly condemn the use of
intimidation, riots and arms in political activities. Furthermore,
those talks should acknowledge the fact that the authority
that can make amendments to the consitution and enact laws
is in the Parliament and in the House of Representatives.
Conclusion
Dear Compatriots
Tanzania is our
country. It is the responsibility of every good citizen to
defend and protect its good reputation. It has been tarnished,
and it is our responsibility to work together to cleanse it,
so that the good that we inherited should be the good that
we pass on to future generations. Emotions should be cooled
and together we should discover ways to end our difficulties,
and our misunderstandings in peace, brotherhood and love.
The one that does not want peace, we should do our best to
educate; and if he/she persists the law should be used to
deal with him/her. For the fate of our country lies in our
hands and history will pronounce its judgement on this generation
of leaders. That judgement will depend on whether we work
together to build the foundation of civilised opposition politics,
or whether we shall prove to the world that we were not ready
for multi-partyism. The decision is in the hands of all political
party leaders. As for my decision, you have heard it today.
God Bless Africa
God Bless Tanzania
Thank you for
listening to me.
Appendix D
A Chronology
of Events Which Were The Cause of Deaths
1. Zanzibar
-
On 26/01/2001
in the afternoon after the Friday prayers, a big crowd
of people who were coming from the Mwembe Yanga mosque
met seven police officers who were on patrol in a police
vehicle. Those people surrounded the police officers and
started throwing stones at them. The police officers fired
in the air and those people dispersed. Later there was
a report that one person had been killed by a bullet when
the police officers were firing shots in the air. 12 people
from among that crowd were arrested after re-enforcement
of the police.
-
On 27/01/2001
in the morning at Mkunguni in Zanzibar town, about 100
CUF members were marching towards Komba Wapya for their
rendevous. They met seven police officers who were on
patrol and the CUF followers surrounded them with the
intention of taking their weapons from them. Of the seven
police officers, two had fire arms and five had batons.
The police officers fired warning shots in the air but
the crowd was fast approaching them. The police officers
decided to run but three of them were not able to escape
and two of those three had fire arms. The CUF members
grabbed one of the officers after taking away his weapon
and breaking it into two pieces. The other officers shot
at them and three of them fell there and then and the
rest of the crowd scattered. When police reinforcements
arrived, it was found that two of the CUF followers who
fell, died on the spot and the third was badly wounded
and died later.
-
On 27/01/2001
at Mchangani in Zanzibar town, CUF followers set fire
on Money Link bank. Even so, the damage to the bank was
minimal, thanks to the great efforts to put out the fire.
-
On 27/01/2001
in the Komba Wapya area in Zanzibar town at the Jumuia
ya Waarabu mosque a group of 15 CUF follwers were caught
inside the mosque with bottles of acid, machetes and knives
which, it is believed, were to be used to attack police
officers.
-
On 27/01/2001
at Vikokotoni and Mchangani, Mjini Magharibi region, secretaries
of those wards were attacked by CUF followers, beating
them and their families with clubs, stones and wooden
planks and inflicting them with wounds. The reason given
for their being beaten was that during voter registration
for the General Election, those Ward secretaries had been
tough and refused to register those who did not follow
the regulations according to law.
-
On 27/01/2001in
the Bwawani area, one person, a CUF follower was caught
with a pistol without ammunition as he was preparing to
go to join his friends in the demonstration.
-
On the night
going into 28/01/2001 at Mjini Magharibi in Zanzibar town,
one wing of the building housing secondary school and
universities curricula offices at Shanghai Old Post Office
was bombed but there was no big damage or loss. That bomb
is believed to have been placed there by CUF followers.
No one was injured.
-
On 27/01/2001
at the Kwahajitumbo area, a vehicle of Television Zanzibar
with registration No. TZB 9010 Toyota was attacked with
stones by CUF followers and badly damaged. Evaluation
of the damage done to the vehicle has not been determined.
No one was injured.
2. Pemba
-
On 26/01/2001
around 01.45 hours at Jondeni, Mkoani Pemba district,
the house in which the Officer Commanding District, SSP
Rajab Salum lived was completely destroyed by petrol fire
causing loss of property valued at 4 million shillings.
-
On 27/01/2001
early in the morning in Kaskazini Pemba region, police
officer E 8510 PC Haji of Police Wete was attacked and
felled with a stone by 2,500 CUF followers who had assembled
at Mtemani Wete with the plan of taking over the police
station. After stoning him they cut off his head with
a knife. This police officer was killed in a most brutal
way.
-
After the
savage murder of PC Haji, the highly charged crowd of
CUF followers took to the road towards the headquarters
of Wete Police chanting, "we are going to collect
our weapons". When police officers at that station
saw the crowd coming they fired rubber bullets at them,
hoping they would turn back to no avail. They fired tear
gas at them but the mob kept advancing. At that point
police officers fired live ammunition in the air but that
did not help either. When they saw they were being overrun,
they aimed their fire at the rioters legs but as the crowd
was large bullets hit and killed six people on the spot.
21 others and 6 police officers were wounded.
-
On 27/01/2001
in Chakechake, CUF followers grouped themselves at a place
called Machomanne and prepared to march toward Tibirizi.
When the police saw that procession which comprised about
1000 people, they tried to stop it by firing rubber bullets
at them but they did not halt and instead continued to
advance towards the police throwing stones at them and
using machetes and clubs to attack them. When the police
officers fired tear gas at the marchers, the gas was blown
back to their faces because of the wind's direction. The
police officers were forced to use live ammunition to
dispense those people. It was later found that 4 people
who have not yet been identified were killed. 30 people
were wounded and 53 were arrested. Some of those that
were arrested had lethal weapons such as machetes, petrol
bombs and clubs with nails stuck in them. Some of them
wore diving goggles in order to prevent tear gas from
their eyes.
-
On 27/01/2001
about 6,000 CUF followers invaded the police station at
Micheweni and surrounded it from the Northern, Southern
and Eastern directions. Police officers fired tear gas
at them as well as rubber bullets but the attackers continued
to advance. Some of them wore plastic bags in order to
avoid tear gas. When the police officers realised that
tear gas was not stopping them they fired live ammunition
in the air to frighten them but they were not daunted;
they continued to advance. At that point the police officers
were forced to defend themselves and fired at the attackers
who scattered thereafter, leaving 4 people dead. 22 people
and 3 police officers were wounded. 22 people were arrested.
The attackers carried acid, machetes, arrows, slings and
petrol bombs.
-
On 27/01/2001
at Wete, a group of CUF followers attacked the office
of the Ministry of Agriculture setting it alight but through
the efforts of the police and good citizens the fire was
put out before causing any damage. The same group caused
big damage to the hotel in Wete by breaking glass windows
with stones. There are also CCM posts which were damaged
by the stone throwers.
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APARC