Makamu wa Rais wa Zimbabwe aliyetimuliwa amtaka Mugabe ajiuzulu

 
 Makamu wa rais wa Zimbabwe aliyefukuzwa Emerson Mnangagwa amemtaka Rais Robert Mugabe kuheshimu maoni ya umma na kuachia ngazi, akiongeza kuwa atarejea nyumbani iwapo tu atahakikishiwa usalama wake. 

Mnangagwa alikimbia Zimbabwe muda mfupi baada ya kufutwa kazi na Mugabe mapema mwezi huu. 

Mzozo huo ulitokana na mvutano wa makundi ndani ya chama tawala cha ZANU-PF kuhusu nani atakayemrithi Mugabe. 

Aidha, Mnangagwa amekataa mwito wa Mugabe wa kumtaka kurejea nyumbani kujadili hali ya kisiasa ilivyo kwa sasa, akisema amemueleza rais huyo kwamba hatarejea hadi atakapokuwa na uhakika wa usalama wake. 

Katika hatua nyingine, maveterani wa vita wenye ushawishi nchini humo, wameitisha maandamano ya dharura ya kumpinga rais Robert Mugabe, wakati bunge likijiandaa kumuondoa madarakani. 

Mwenyekiti wa maveterani hao, Chris Mutsvangwa amewataka raia kwenda hadi kwenye makazi binafsi ya Mugabe, yanayojulikana kama Blue Roof, kuhakikisha kuwa kiongozi huyo anayendelea kutengwa na watu, anaondoka haraka.

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Moto wazuka kituo cha habari cha Clouds Media GroupTanzania.

Jeshi la zima moto limefika katika jengo la kituo cha habari cha Clouds Media Group jijini Dar es salaam, kudhibiti moto uliozuka katika mojawapo ya vyumba vya kurushia matangazo ya televisheni.

Tayari moto umeshadhibitiwa.

Sebastian Maganga, mkuu wa maaudhui na uzalishaji wa Cloud Media Group, ameiambia BBC kwamba, "moto umetokea kati ya saa tatu asubuhi hadi saa nne , athari saizi ni vigumu kuzijua. Eneo ambalo limeungua ni chumba cha kurushia matangazo ya televesheni."
 
Mojawapo ya wafanyakazi wa Clouds Media Group akijaribu kuokoa baadhi ya vifaa 
 
Mojowapo ya vipindi vilikuwa vikuruka hewani hapo ambapo moto ulipozuka.
Pia Ambwene Mwakibete, Kaimu Kamanda wa jeshi la zima moto na uokoaji, mkoa wa kipolisi wa Kinondoni, amesema kwamba
"Tumeidhibiti moto ili usimbae kwenye vyumba vingine. Tumeona ni mfumo wa kiyoyozi ambao ni umeme ndio tumeona umeathirika kwa sehemu kubwa."
 
 Matangazo ya kituo hicho yamesitishwa 
 
Hamna majeruhi wala vifo, na thamani ya uharibifu haijafahamika bado. Chanzo cha moto hadi sasa bado hakijafahamika.

Juhudi za uokoaji wa mali zinaendelea.

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Mambo 5 unayopaswa kuhafamu kuhusu Mugabe na Zimbabwe

 Katika utawala wa Mugabe kuendelea kwa uhaba wa ukosefu wa fedha taslimu kuliishinikiza serikali ya Zimbabwe kutoa dola yake inayoitwa bond noti, lakini ilishuka thamani yake haraka.

Wakati dunia ikisubiri kuona ni nini kitatokea baada ya Robert Mugabe kukataa kujiuzulu licha ya shinikizo kutoka kwa jeshi na chama tawala cha Zanu-PF party, tunaangazia baadhi ya mambo muhimu unayopaswa kufahamu kuhusu nchi hiyo na hali yake kwa sasa.

1. Uchumi umeporomoka.

Zimbabwe imekuwa ikitoka katika mzozo mmoja wa kiuchumi na kuingia mwingine kwa kipindi cha muongo uliopita. Viwango vya makadirio ya idadi ya watu wasio na ajira ni tofauti, lakini chama kikuu cha wafanyakazi nchini humo kinadai kiwango cha watu wasio na ajira kilikuwa asilimia 90% mapema mwaka huu. Zimbabwe...Watu wenye pesa zilizowekwa kwenye benki kwa njia ya kieletroniki hawawezi kuzipata ama hupewa masharti ya kikomo cha kiwango wnachopaswa kukito 
 
Zimbabwe imehangaika na hasara kubwa ya kiuchumi, iliyopanda mwaka 2008 ambapo kiwango rasmi kilikuwa ni milioni sawa na asilimia 231 milioni . Nchi hiyo ililazimika kuacha matumizi ya sarafu yake iliyoporomoka dhidi ya dola ya kimarekani na hivyo kutumia sarafu ya kigeni.

Kutokana na kuendelea kwa uhaba wa ukosefu wa fedha taslimu , serikali ilitoa dola yake inayoitwa bond noti, lakini ilishuka thamani yake haraka.

Watu wenye pesa zilizowekwa kwenye benki kwa njia ya kieletroniki hawawezi kuzipata ama hupewa masharti ya kikomo cha kiwango wnachopaswa kukitoa. Kutokana na hili biashara ya pesa kupitia mtandao wa intaneti imekuwa maaruifu.

2. Mugabe amekuwa mwenye utata kwa muda.

Kiongozi huyo mwenye umri wa miaka 93-aliwakanganya wakosoaji wake kwa kubakia madarakani kwa muda mrefu sana. Wakati mwingine akipuuziliwa mbali kama kibonzo anapokuwa ziarani katika nchi za ng'ambo, aliangaliwa na raia wa kawaida wa Zimbabwe kama shujaa wa mapinduzi aiyepigana dhidi ya utawala wa wazungu walio wachache na bado anapata heshma kama "baba wa taifa ".

Lakini yeye na wafuasi wake wametumia ghasia kuendelea kumuweka madarakani, huku wakitumia taasisi za serikali kumnadi bianfsi pamoja na chama chake.

Chama chake kinasema kuwa kinapigana na ubepari na ukoloni, lakini matatizo ya kiuchumi yamekuwa changamoto kwa taifa na wafuasi wake wameathirika pakubwa.

3. Mke wake amesababisha kuangushwa kwa utawala wake

Mara kwa mara Mugabe alisema ataondoka madarakani wakati ''ukombozi'' wake utakapo kamilika, lakini pia anataka kumteua mrithi wake- jambo lililoibua mzozo wa sasa.

 

Vita vya kumtafuta mrithi wa Mugabe ambaye anaonekana dhaifu kutokana na umri wa 93wake viliimarika katika miezi ya hivi karibuni.

Chama tawala kiligawanyika mara mbili , upande mmoja ukimuunga mkono mke wake Bi Grace huku upande mwingine ukimuunga mkono mshirika wake wa muda mrefu, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

4. Kiongozi mpya huenda asilete mabadiliko yoyote.

Ikiwa Bwana Mnangagwa aliyeng'olewa mamlakani atamrithi Mugabe kama rais mambo hayatabadilika.

Alitajwa katika maafa yote makubwa na mashambulio dhidi ya wafuasi wa upinzani yaliyotekelezwa wakati wa azma ya kumuweka madarakani Bwana Mugabe.

Hata hivyo , alidokeza kuwa anaweza kuanzisha mageuzi ya kiuchumi , na hata kushirikiana na upinzani katika kuunda serikali ya mpito.  Hatua ya kumfuta kazi Bwana Mnangagwa ilionyesha dhahiri kwamba alitaka kumteua mkewe Bi Grace

5. Kilichotokea Zimbabwe yalikuwa mapinduzi au la.?

Jeshi liliingilia kati ghafla , hata hivyo bado hawajamuweka madarakani rais.

Katika taarifa yake kwa Televisheni ,jeshi lilisema kuwa linachukua udhibiti wa nchi kwa muda "kuwalenga wahalifu" wanaomzingira mkuu wa nchi, na si Bwana Mugabe binafsi , na bado linamuita kama "amir jeshi mkuu".

Hata hivyo hadi sasa, amekataa kuachia mamlaka, licha ya kwamba chama tawala cha Zanu-PF kimemfuta kiongozi wake , na sasa bunge litalazimika kumshitaki 

Hata hivyo, Jumapili, Bwana Mugabe aliapa kubakia kama rais hadi pale mkutano mkuu wa Zanu-PF, unaotarajiwa kufanyika mwezi Disemba utakapofanyika, kwa hivyo haijawa wazi ni nini kitafuatia.

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Mkataba wa kimataifa wa kulinda haki za waandishi habari wasainiwa Tunisia.

Mkataba mpya wa kimataifa wa kulinda haki za waandishi wa habari umetiwa saini huko Tunisia.

Anthony Bellanger Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Kimataifa la Waandishi wa Habari (IFJ) amesema huko Tunisia kuwa  mktaba huo mpya umesainiwa kwa lengo la kuunda kamati itakayokuwa na jukumu la kudhamini usalama na kulinda maisha ya waandishi wa habari.

Bellanger ameongeza kuwa kamati hiyo itakayoundwa itakuwa na wajumbe 15 na wanachama wake watachaguliwa kutoka nchi zilizosaini kipengee cha 19 cha azimio la kimataifa la haki za kiraia na kisiasa ambacho kinabainisha wazi suala la kulindwa haki ya uhuru wa kifikra na kujieleza. 

Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Kimataifa la Waandishi wa Habari (IFJ) amesema kuwa vitendo vya utumiaji mabavu dhidi ya waandishi wa habari duniani vinaongezeka kila uchao na uhalifu mwingi unaowakumba wana taaluma hao haufatiliwi na wahusika wa vitendo hivyo hawachukuliwi hatua za kisheria au kuadhibiwa.

Mfano halisi wa mashambulizi dhidi ya waandishi habari 

Ni kwa sababu hiyo ndio maana Mkutano wa Shirikisho la Kimataifa la Waandishi wa Habari umeratibu mpango mpya kwa ajili ya kuuungwa mkono kimataifa waandishi wa habari sambamba na kulindwa maisha yao wakati wa vita na amani ambao utawasilishwa katika kikao cha kawaida cha Umoja wa Mataifa. 

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UNICEF: Watoto milioni 180 duniani, wakiwamo Watanzania hawana mustakabali mwema.

Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia watoto UNICEF limesema licha ya hatua zilizopigwa kimataifa, mtoto 1 kati ya 12 duniani wanaishi katika nchi ambazo matarajio yao leo ni mabaya kuliko ya wazazi wao.

Tathmini hiyo ya UNICEF imetolewa Jumatatu Novemba 20 kwa munasaba wa Siku ya Kimataifa ya Mtoto.

Ripoti ya UNICEF imesema watoto milioni 180 wanaishi katika nchi 37 ambako wanakabiliwa na ufukara, kutosoma au kuuawa kikatili kuliko watoto walioishi katika nchi hizo hizo miaka 20 iliyopita.

Mkurugenzi wa takwimu, utafiti na sera wa UNICEF Laurence Chandy anasema wakati kizazi kilichopita kimeshuhudia hatua kubwa katika kupandisha kiwango cha maisha ya watoto duniani, ukweli unasalia kwamba watoto kutoka jamii za walio wachache zilizosahaulika wametengwa katika hatua hizo na sio kosa lao wala la familia zao.

Watoto wanaolazimishwa kuhudumu kama askari vitani

Kwa mujibu wa tathimini hiyo idadi ya watu wanaoishi chini ya dola 1.90 kwa siku imeongezeka katika nchi 14, huku uandikishaji wa watoto wanaoingia shule za msingi ukishuka katika nchi 21 zikiwemo Syria na Tanzania, na vifo miongoni mwa watoto wa chini ya miaka 19 vikiongezeka katika nchi 7 zikijumuisha Sudan Kusini na Jamhuri ya Afrika ya Kati CAR.

UNICEF inasema sababu kubwa ni, vita, ugaidi, matatizo ya kiuchumi, kuongezeka kwa idadi ya watu na umasikini.

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Hatma ya Urais Nchini Kenya Kujulikana leo Mahakamani.

 

 Jaji Mkuu wa Mahakama ya juu zaidi nchini kenya David Maraga.

Mahakama ya juu zaidi nchini Kenya Jumatatu inatarajiwa kutoa uamuzi katika kesi zilizowasilishwa kwenye mahakama hiyo kupinga uchaguzi wa marudio wa tarehe 26 Oktoba ambapo rais wa sasa Uhuru Kenyatta alitangazwa kama mshindi.

Katika Kesi majaji watatakiwa kutoa uamuzi kuhusu masuala yafuatayo:

• Wataamua iwapo tume huru ya taifa ya chaguzi na mipaka (IEBC ) ilifaa kuteuwa upya wagombea urais au la.
• Uamuzi pia utatolewa na mahakama hiyo juu zaidi juu ya ya ikiwa kujiondoa kwenye uchaguzi huo kwa kiongozi Muungano wa upinzani Raila Odinga na Makamu wake Kalonzo Musyoka kuliathiri uchaguzi huo.
• Majaji pia watatoa uamuzi kuhusu ikiwa baada ya tume ya IEBC kushindwa kuendesha uchaguzi katika ameneo bunge 25 kati ya 290 kunahalalisha ama kubatilisha matokeo ya uchaguzi.
• Aidha Mahakama hiyo itawaeleza waKenya ikiwa tume ya uchaguzi (IEBC) ilikuwa na uwezo wa kuandaa uchaguzi wa haki na huru baada ya kugubikwa na mgawanyiko miongoni mwa wajumbe wake.
• Kwa upande mwingine Wakenya watasubiri kusikia uamuzi wa mahakama kuhusu kama ghasia zilizotokea kabla na baada ya uchaguzi wa marudio wa urais ziliathiri ama hazikuathiri matokeo ya uchaguzi na kuufanya kuwa usio wa haki na huru au la.
• Mahakama itatoa ufafanuzi juu ya dosari ya karatasi za kupigia kura, maarufu kama form 34A ziliathiri matokeo ya uchaguzi.
• Hukumu hii inasubiriwa kwa shauku kubwa na raia wa Kenya pamoja na kwingineko duniani, huku wengio wakijiuliza hatma ya Kenya.

Tangu kufanyika kwa uchaguzi wa marudio wa urais tarehe 26 Oktoba, baadhi ya miji mikuu nchini Kenya ukiwemo mji mkuu Nairobi, pamoja na mji wa magharibi wa Kisumu imekuwa ikikumbwa na ghasia za maandamano ambazo zilizosababisha mauaji ya watu na wengine kujeruhiwa.@bbc

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Tathmini ya miaka miwili ya serikali ya awamu ya tano iliyotolewa na chama cha ACT Wazalendo.

Haki za Raia Zinaminywa, Uchumi wa Nchi Unasinyaa, Utumishi wa Umma na Taasisi Vinauliwa.
Utangulizi:
Novemba 5, 2017, Serikali ya awamu ya 5 ilitimiza miaka miwili tangu Rais Magufuli alipoapishwa rasmi kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Katika siku husika, Serikali kupitia Msemaji wa Serikali, ilitoa tathmini ya mambo 10 ya mafanikio ambayo yamepatikana ndani ya kipindi hiki cha miaka miwili. Pamoja na taarifa hiyo rasmi ya Serikali, CCM pamoja na Viongozi mbalimbali wa Serikali kwa siku kadhaa sasa wamekuwa wakitoa mwendelezo wa mafanikio mbalimbali ya Serikali.
Sisi ACT Wazalendo nasi tumefanya utafiti juu ya miaka hii miwili, tukiangazia uchumi, hali ya kisiasa, uimara wa Muungano, ustawi wa utumishi wa watumishi wa umma, hali ya biashara pamoja na kilimo, na masuala yanayohusu haki za wananchi. Lengo likiwa ni kutoa mtazamo mbadala juu ya hali ya nchi yetu katika miaka hii miwili, kuainisha changamoto (kinyume na mapungufu tu yaliyosemwa), pamoja na kuainisha mbinu pamoja na sera mbadala za utatuzi wa changamoto hizo.
Leo tutatoa tathmini yetu ya miaka miwili ya Utawala huu, tathmini hii ni zao la utafiti husika uliofanyika nchi nzima. Tathmini yetu itaainisha mambo 10 ambayo tunaamini hayakufanywa vizuri kabisa na Serikali. ACT Wazalendo inao wajibu wa kujihusisha na masuala ya watu, tunatimiza wajibu huo kwa tathmini hii ya kuangazia mambo haya 10 ambayo ni mapungufu ndani ya miaka miwili hii ya utawala huu.
Yafuatayo ni mambo 9 ambayo ACT Wazalendo tunaamini Serikali ya awamu ya 5 imeyafanya vibaya zaidi ndani ya miaka hii miwili, kiasi cha kuleta athari kubwa katika hali ya nchi yetu, kisiasa, kiutawala na kiuchumi. Tathmini yetu itayaanisha masuala hayo katika mafungu matatu kama ifuatavyo:
1. Haki za Msingi
2. Usimamizi wa Uchumi
3. Uendeshaji wa Nchi
1. Haki za Msingi
i). Kuminya Uhuru wa Vyama vya Siasa Kufanya Mikutano ya Hadhara, Uhuru wa Vyombo vya Habari, pamoja na Uhuru wa Kujieleza.
Kwa kutumia amri batili iliyotolewa na Rais na baadaye kukaziwa na Jeshi la Polisi, haki ya vyama vya siasa kufanya mikutano ya hadhara kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Vyama vya Siasa ya mwaka 1992, imezuiwa. ACT Wazalendo tulikuwa chama cha mwisho kufanya Mkutano wa hadhara, viwanja vya Zakhem mbagala Juni, 2016. Tangu hapo haki hiyo imezuiliwa kinyume na sheria.
Pia, ni katika kipindi hiki cha miaka miwili, ndipo tulipitisha Sheria mbaya ya vyombo vya habari, Sheria ambayo imeshuhudia kufungiwa kwa Magazeti manne makubwa, ya Mawio, Mseto, Mwanahalisi, Tanzania Daima, Raia Mwema na Mwananchi kwa vipindi tofauti tofauti, kwa sababi tu yaliandika habari ambazo hazikupendwa na Serikali.
Miaka miwili hii pia imeshuhudia mamia ya watu wakiwa wameshtakiwa, na wengine kuhukumiwa vifungo na faini, kwa kutumia sheria mbaya ya mitandao ya kijamii (cyber crimes act) kwa sababu tu ya kutoa maoni yao ambayo hayapendwi na Serikali.
ii). Kuminywa kwa Haki ya Wazanzibari Kuchagua Viongozi wao.
Ni hali halisi kuwa haki ya Wazanzibari, wananchi wa sehemu moja kati ya pande mbili zinazounda Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, kuchagua viongozi wao kwa uhuru na haki iliporwa kwenye Uchaguzi Mkuu wa Zanzibar wa mwaka 2015, kwa mtu mmoja kujiamulia kinyume na sheria, kufuta matokeo ya uchaguzi wote kwa sababu tu CCM walielekea kushindwa.
Uchaguzi wa marudio wa Machi 20, 2016 ulikuwa pasi shaka, ni uchaguzi wa 'kiini macho'. ACT Wazalendo tulisusia uchaguzi huo wa marudio, mpaka sasa msimamo wetu juu ya uchaguzi ule haujabadilika.
Kwa miaka hii miwili, Serikali ya awamu ya 5 ya JMT imekwepa kabisa wajibu wake juu ya mustakabali mwema wa Zanzibar.
Na kwa kiasi kikubwa imekuwa ndio chanzo cha kuzidisha uhasama na mpasuko utokanao na dhuluma za uchaguzi mkuu wa mwaka 2015 na uchaguzi wa marudio wa mwaka 2016. Matamshi ya ubaguzi na vitisho ya Rais Magufuli akiwa kwenye mikutano ya hadhara, Unguja na Pemba ni ushahidi juu ya hili.
Hali hiyo imeigawanya Zanzibar, imeondoa sauti yake imara kwenye Muungano, kiasi kwa mara ya kwanza tangu 1964, Zanzibar ina Mawaziri wachache zaidi kwenye Baraza la Mawaziri la JMT, wawili tu, pamoja na Naibu Waziri mmoja, katika baraza lote lenye mawaziri wapatao 42. Si hilo tu, lakini hali hiyo ya kutoshughulikia mpasuko wa kisiasa wa Zanzibar imeondoa sauti ya mawazo mbadala ya kisera katika kuendesha uchumi wa wananchi, na hivyo kuchangia hali mbaya ya uchumi kwa wananchi.
iii). Kupuuzwa kwa Matakwa ya Katiba Mpya
Serikali ya awamu ya 5 imeweka bayana kuwa Katiba mpya sio kipaumbele chake. Msimamo huu umetolewa na Rais Magufuli pamoja na Waziri Mkuu Majaliwa katika nyakati tofauti, licha ya tafiti zote zilizofanywa kuonesha kuwa Watanzania wengi wanataka kuendelezwa kwa mchakato wa Katiba Mpya.
Sababu dhaifu zinazotolewa na Serikali ni mbili, moja ni kuwa Rais anasema haikuwa ahadi yake ya Uchaguzi (lakini jambo hilo likiwa kwenye ilani ya chama chake cha CCM), sababu ya pili ni ile iliyotolewa na Waziri Mkuu kuwa Serikali haina fedha za gharama za kuendeleza mchakato husika, na kuwa fedha zote inazielekeza kwenye miradi ya maendeleo. Hoja hii pia ni dhaifu, ni hoja itokanayo na imani ya maendeleo ya vitu ya CCM dhidi ya maendeleo ya watu.
Katiba mpya imara inategemea kutoa mamlaka zaidi ya wananchi kushiriki kwenye kufanya maamuzi juu ya mustakabali wao, jambo ambalo ni maendeleo makubwa mno kuliko maendeleo ya vitu wasivyo na ushiriki wala uamuzi navyo.
2. Usimamizi wa Uchumi wa Nchi
iv). Kusinyaa kwa Uchumi wa Nchi, Kudhohofishwa kwa Sekta Binafsi, Mazingira Mabaya ya Biashara Nchini, pamoja Kupaa kwa Deni la Taifa.
Mapungufu makubwa zaidi katika hii miaka miwili ya Serikali ya awamu ya 5 yako katika menejimenti ya uchumi wa Nchi. Ndilo eneo ambalo Serikali imefeli zaidi kuliko maeneo yote. Vipimo vyote vya uchumi vinaonyesha kuwa ndani ya miaka hii miwili uchumi wetu umesinyaa, sekta yetu binafsi imekaribia kuanguka kwa sababu ya mazingira magumu ya kikodi, watu wetu wamepoteza ajira zaidi, serikali imekosa mapato zaidi, nchi yetu ikitajwa kushuka katika nchi zenye mazingira mazuri ya kibiashara, katika wakati ambao biashara zimefungwa zaidi, huku tukishuhudia kupaa zaidi kwa deni la Taifa.
Tathmini yetu itokanayo na Takwimu pamoja na Taarifa rasmi za Serikali yenyewe imeonyesha yafuatayo:
• Uzalishaji wa bidhaa za viwandani umeshuka kwa 50%, kutoka dola bilioni 1.5 mpaka dola milioni 700.
• Mikopo binafsi kutoka benki zetu imeshuka kutoka 25% (2015) hadi 8.9% (2017).
• Mikopo ya benki kwenye Kilimo imeshuka kutoka 6% (2015) hadi -9% (2017).
• Mikopo ya benki kwa wafanyabiashara imeshuka kutoka 24% (2015) hadi 9% (2017).
• Mikopo ya benki kwa sekta ya Viwanda imeshuka kutoka 30% (2015) hadi 3% (2017).
• Mikopo ya benki kwa sekta ya Usafirishaji na Mawasiliano imeshuka kutoka 24% (2015) hadi - 25% (2017).
• Mikopo ya benki kwa sekta ya Ujenzi imeshuka kutoka 22% (2015) hadi 16% (2017).
• Mauzo ya bidhaa kwenda nje ya nchi (export) kwa ujumla yameshuka kwa 29.8%.
• TRA ikidaiwa Marejesho (VAT Returns) ya wastani wa bilioni 800, ambazo bado hazijalipwa.
• Thamani ya sarafu ya Tanzania imeshuka, uwezo wa Tsh. 100 kununua bidhaa umeshuka hadi Tsh. 92.18.
• Deni la Taifa likipaa kwa wastani wa Dola milioni 4 kwa mwaka (trilioni 10), kutoka dola bilioni 18 (2015), mpaka dola bilioni 22 (2016) na kufikia dola bilioni 26 (2017).
• Utekelezaji duni wa bajeti ya Taifa kwa mwaka 2016/17 ambapo Serikali ilipanga kukusanya shilingi trilioni 29.6 lakini ikakusanya trilioni 23.5, kukiwa na nakisi ya trilioni 6. Huku dalili zikionyesha kuwa utekelezaji wa bajeti ya 2017/18 ya shilingi trilioni 32 kuwa duni zaidi.
• Uwiano wa deni la Taifa na Pato la Taifa (GDP) ukiwa ni takribani 53%.
• Mwisho, matarajio ya ukuaji wa uchumi kwa mwaka yakishushwa toka 7%mpaka 6.6%.
Takwimu hizo zote zinaonyesha kwa dhahiri uchumi wa nchi ulivyosinyaa, sekta binafsi inavyokufa, mazingira ya biashara yanavyokuwa magumu zaidi pamoja na deni la Taifa kupaa ndani ya miaka miwili ya Serikali ya awamu ya 5, na kuhalalisha mtazamo wetu kuwa menejimenti mbaya ya uchumi ndio mapungufu makuu ya utawala huu.
v). Kilimo Kimetelekezwa
Sekta ya Kilimo ndio uti wa mgongo wa Taifa, ikiajiri karibu theluthi mbili (65%) ya Watanzania wote nchini, na kuchangia karibu theluthi moja ya pato la taifa (32%). Kwa miaka miwili ya utawala wa awamu ya 5, ukuaji wa Kilimo haujavuka zaidi ya 2%, zaidi ukiwa ni 1.6%, hivyo kushuka kutoka 4% wakati wa awamu ya 4. Kwa miaka hii miwili ukuaji wa sekta inayoajiri wananchi wengi zaidi ukididimia na kuwazidishia ufukara.
Katika wakati kama huu ambapo Kilimo kinaporomoka, wakulima wa Korosho hawajapewa pembejeo, na hivyo kutishia kushusha uzalishali wa zao linalotuingia mapato ya Kigeni zaidi nchini katika msimu huu wa mavuno. Tumbaku (zao la pili Kwa kuingiza Fedha za kigeni) tayari wakulima wanalia, kukiwa hakuna kabisa soko.
Mazao ya mbaazi, choroko na kunde bei imeshuka kwa zaidi ya 500%, kutoka Tsh 2500 mpaka wastani wa Tsh 200. Huku Pamba uzalishaji ukiwa umeshuka kwa 63% kati ya mwaka 2015 na 2017.
vi). Utekelezaji wa Miradi Mikubwa bila Kuzingatia Maslahi ya Umma.
Serikali inatekeleza miradi kadhaa mikubwa nchini, hili ni jambo zuri. Lakini mtindo wa utekelezaji wa miradi hiyo hauzingatii maslahi ya umma, hili ni jambo baya. ACT Wazalendo tuna mifano miwili kwenye hili, ununuzi wa ndege kwa kutumia fedha za ndani, na ujenzi wa reli ya SGR bila kuzingatia ufungamanishaji wake na sekta nyengine za uzalishaji kiasi fedha zote zinatoka kwenda nje ya nchi badala ya kubaki ndani.
Ununuzi wa ndege za Bombadier na Boeing kwa fedha zetu za ndani umesaidia kukuza na kuzalisha ajira Canada na Marekani zinakozalishwa ndege hizo. Fedha za wakulima, wafanyakazi na wafanyabiashara wa nchi hii zinatolewa ndani na kulipwa taslimu kwaajili ya ndege nje ya nchi, jambo hilo limesababisha ujazo wa fedha upungue ndani ya nchi yetu (upungufu wote ukiwa ni 51% ndani ya miaka hii miwili) na kusababisha mzunguko wa fedha kuwa mdogo na hivyo kupunguza uwezo wa kununua bidhaa (purchasing power) wa watu wetu, ikiwa ni kipimo Cha kusinyaa kwa uchumi wetu.
Ujenzi wa reli ya SGR ni jambo zuri, lakini kutokuzingatiwa ufungamanishaji wa ujenzi huo na sekta nyengine za uzalishaji kunafanya ujenzi huo uzalishe ajira Uturuki na China badala ya Tanzania. 50% ya gharama za ujenzi wa reli ni ununuzi wa chuma na chuma cha pua kwaajili ya mataruma, tungeweza kuutumia mradi huu kujenga kiwanda cha chuma cha Liganga na Mchuchuma na hivyo kubakisha nusu ya hizo trilioni 17 za mradi huo hapa nchini. Hali ni tofauti, maana mataruma yatanunuliwa nje ya nchi, na hivyo sehemu kubwa ya fedha za mradi huu kutokubaki nchini.
3. Uendeshaji wa nchi
vii). Uvunjaji wa misingi ya Sera ya Mambo ya Nje
Msingi Mkuu wa Sera ya Mambo ya Nje ya Tanzania ni kusimama na wanaoonewa kokote kule duniani. Pamoja na kufuata "Diplomasia ya Uchumi" bado msingi huo wa Sera ya Mambo ya Nje ya nchi yetu haujabadilika. Lakini hivi sasa, hatua kwa hatua, Tanzania inaanza kuuweka kando msingi huu muhimu wa kusimama na wanyonge. Jambo hili limejidhihirisha katika suala la nchi ya Sahara Magharibi inayokaliwa kimabavu na Moroko pamoja na nchi ya Israel inayofanya mauaji ya mamia ya Wapalestina.
Tangu Mfalme wa Moroko atembelee nchini na kutoa ahadi kemkem za misaada kwa Tanzania, nchi yetu imekuwa haina tena ubavu wa kuikabili Moroko na kuvikemea vitendo vyake vya kimabavu vya kuikalia Sahara Magharibi. Lakini pia ni ndani ya miaka miwili ya awamu ya 5, kwa mara ya kwanza tangu kuundwa kwa Tanzania, Oktoba 26, 2017, nchi yetu ilipiga kura kupinga hatua kali za vikwazo vya shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Elimu, Sayansi na Utamaduni UNESCO, vikwazo ambavyo vililenga kuibana Israel ipunguze mashambulizi dhidi ya Palestina.
Mifano miwili hiyo inaonyesha namna tulivyoacha kabisa msingi wa Diplomasia yetu, ya kusimama na wanyonge, na sasa ndio tumekuwa vinara, watetezi, wasemaji na marafiki wa nchi zinazoonea wanyonge, kama Moroko na Israel. Si hivyo tu, matukio kama ya kukataliwa kwa mbaazi za Tanzania nchini India, ni kielelezo kingine cha kuanguka kwa Diplomasia yetu ya uchumi.
viii). Unyanyasaji wa Watumishi wa Umma
Miaka miwili ya Rais Magufuli imekuwa miaka miwili ya kuyumbishwa na kupuuzwa kwa watumishi wa umma. Watumishi wa umma katika kipindi hiki wamebaki yatima asiye na mtetezi, wakiondolewa katika nafasi zao mbalimbali za kazi kinyume na utaratibu na wakifanya kazi kwa miaka miwili bila kupandishiwa mishahara yao wala kulipwa madeni ya nyuma.
Uhakiki usiokwisha wa wafanyakazi umetumika Kama kisingizio cha kuwanyima wafanyakazi haki yao ya kuongezwa mishahara, kupandishwa madaraja na kupata marupurupu yao kwa wakati. Kilio cha wafanyakazi kudai haki hizi kimepokelewa na vitisho na kebehi kutoka serikalini. Mambo hayo yaneshusha mno morali ya watumishi wa umma.
ix). Utawala unaovunja Taasisi za kikatiba na kisheria
Utawala wa awamu ni utawala wa mtu mmoja tu, Rais Magufuli, yeye pekee ndiye anayefanya kila kitu, kiasi wakati mwengine maamuzi yake yakizidhoofisha taasisi mbalimbali za umma. Mfano hai ni namna alivyomteua DC aliyekuwa akichunguzwa na Takukuru kwa tuhuma za rushwa, na kumpandisha cheo kuwa RC.
Hitimisho:
Mambo 9 haya Chama chetu cha ACT Wazalendo ndani ya miaka hii miwili kimeyasemea kwa undani sana, tukiyaainisha kama ndio kikwazo cha kuondolewa ili nchi yetu ifanye vizuri zaidi, na tukioendekeza njia na sera mbalimbali mbadala za utatuzi wake, sera na njia ambazo zimepuuzwa kiasi cha kutufikisha hapa tulipo ambapo uchumi unasinyaa, haki za umma zikiminywa zaidi pamoja na utumishi wa umma na taasisi kuvunjwa. Ni imani yetu kuwa tathmini hii itaamsha serikali na kuifanya ifanye marekebisho ya hali hiyo.
Ahsanteni Sana
Yeremia Kulwa Maganja
Kaimu Mwenyekiti wa Chama - ACT Wazalendo
Novemba 16, 2017
Dar es salaam

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Zanu PF wasema "hakuna kurudi nyuma" Mugabe lazima aondoke.

 

Harare, Zimbabwe. Viongozi wa chama tawala cha Zanu PF wanakutana leo kuandaa rasimu ya uamuzi wa kumwondoa madarakani Rais Robert Mugabe mwishoni mwa wiki hii.

Pia, wataandaa mazingira ya kumfungulia mashtaka wiki ijayo ikiwa ataendelea kukataa kuachia madaraka, kiongozi wa ngazi ya juu amesema.

"Hakuna kurudi nyuma," kiongozi huyo aliliambia shirika la habari la Reuters. "Ikiwa atazidi kuwa mkaidi, tutaandaa mazingira ili afukuzwe Jumapili. Hilo likifanyika atafunguliwa mashtaka Jumanne."

Hatima ya Mugabe bado haijulikani hadi leo kwani imeelezwa amekataa juhudi zote za kumtaka ajiuzulu baada ya jeshi kutwaa mamlaka ya nchi ambalo hadi wiki hii lilikuwa nguzo muhimu katika utawala wake wa miaka 37.

Jeshi lilisema kupitia televisheni ya taifa kwamba lilikuwa linafanya mazungumzo ili kupata ufumbuzi na kwamba litaliarifu taifa kuhusu matokeo haraka iwezekanavyo.

Marekani, mkosoaji wa miaka mingi wa Mugabe kuhusu ukiukwaji wa haki za binadamu na wizi wa uchaguzi inataka “enzi mpya” Zimbabwe, alisema ofisa wa ngazi za juu wa mambo ya nje wa Marekani kuhusu masuala ya Afrika ukiwa ni wito uliowazi wa kumtaka mzee huyo aondoke.

Mkanganyiko umejitokeza pale Mugabe alipoonekana jijini Harare kwenye picha akiwa mtu mwenye tabasamu na akisalimiana na mkuu wa majeshi wa Zimbabwe, mtu ambaye yuko nyuma ya mapinduzi na kuibua maswali kuhusu kukaribia mwisho wa enzi zake.

Katika hali isiyotarajiwa Mugabe aliondoka kwa msafara kwenye nyumba yake ya kifahari maarufu kama "Paa la Bluu" alikokuwa amezuiliwa na jeshi na akaenda hadi Ikulu ambako alipigwa picha zilizosambabzwa kwenye vyombo vya habari alikutana na mkuu wa majeshi, Jenerali Constantino Chiwenga na wapatanishi kutoka SADC.

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Katibu wa CWT wa zamani Msulwa afariki dunia

By Bakari Kiango.

Dar es Salaam. Aliyekuwa Katibu Mkuu wa Chama cha Walimu Tanzania (CWT), Yahya Msulwa amefariki dunia jana katika Hospitali ya Aga Khan jijini Dar es Salaam alikokuwa akipatiwa matibabu.

Katibu mkuu wa zamani wa chama hicho, Gratian Mkoba ameithibitisha Mwananchi leo Ijumaa Novemba 17 wakati akizungumza kwa simu.

Mkoba amesema, “Ni kweli amefariki jana usiku na alipelekwa jana hiyo usiku kwa mujibu wa ndugu zake walionipa taarifa, maana mimi nilikuwa nina wiki moja hatujawasiliana na sijui alikuwa na anasumbuliwa na nini,”amesema Mkoba.

Amesema hivi sasa yupo njiani kwenda nyumbani kwa marehemu Tuangoma kujua taratibu za mazishi.

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It’s a bad time for media, but we in Tanzania have a natural immunity to fake news.

Fake News is here for real. Discerning between fact and propaganda is best left to professional newsrooms, activists and connected chinwags at the local bar. 

By ELSIE EYAKUZE

More by this Author

 

When all is said and done, Donald Trump will be remembered by the journalistic community for his embrace and promotion of the idea of Fake News.

I commend him, since as the saying goes: If you can’t be an example, at least be a cautionary tale. There are many ways to scratch your name onto the wall of remembered human history, after all. 

He’s right; though; Fake News is here for real. With every passing week we get to learn more and more about how the Russian trickster brigade has been manipulating the thoughts and minds of people in the Western hemisphere. 

You all know how the social sciences have always been looked down upon in our societies because everybody thinks that their kid should be a doctor/lawyer/engineer? Haha, losers. Enjoy the dark triumph of sociology and psychology: using technology as a tool of social engineering. 

There was a time when facts were facts; remember that mathematics mostly works on that principle as does physics and, thank goodness because air travel, clean water in urban areas and a whole bunch of things we need to get through the day these days depend on that formula. 

The only thing that has ever been a matter of opinion is what one does with fact. As an opinion writer, let me openly support this perspective: Facts are facts and opinions are what we want to do about them, and in no way are the two interchangeable. 

So as we have been lamenting the demise of traditional media and the rise of social media, let me just point out to the way we have all contributed to this mess. It is all wrapped up in our online consuming styles? 

A smug older person who thinks that Facebook is a wonderful way to spread the gospel of their religion (especially by denigrating other religions) is part of the problem. A health nut who doesn’t know that gluten is an allergen for people suffering from celiac disease and so encourages their circle to cut carbs from their diet? Part of the problem. 

A nationalistic brigade with a hashtag online that prides itself on bullying anyone and everyone who ever says anything about their African country that they don’t like? Part of the problem. 

But mostly, anytime we consumers believe anything that isn’t offered by a professional outfit and triangulated with at least three or four other professional outfits, deserve to reap the rewards of our idiocy. 

Here’s the thing: We still have a natural immunity to fake news in East Africa, certainly in Tanzania. Yes, yes, it is a terrible time for media what with the heavy-handed government censoring et cetera. But the lack of centralisation of news has served us well, and on top of that we are a gossiping society. 

With little or no access to the stupidities of online trolling because English isn’t, and may it never be, our first language. Ah, the sweet advantages of leapfrogging – when you get left behind sometimes it is exactly the right place to be. 

So I look at these problems of 2017 fake news with a wry smile. Let Americans do themselves in, they’ve already got Trump and lord knows that anyone who believes him needs to see a guru or a shrink.

We should just push back on that term getting thrown around locally. We know better: There is fact, then there is propaganda. Discerning the difference between the two is best left to our professional newsrooms, knowledgeable activists, superbly connected chinwags at the local bars, and the ever dependable grapevine. 

The trick is not to be an actual Member of Parliament or government employee if you need to tell things as they are. 

Elsie Eyakuze is an independent consultant and blogger for The Mikocheni Report. E-mail: elsieeyakuze@gmail.com

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Pope Francis gets a new Lamborghini, auctions it off.

 
By AFP More by this Author.
 

Luxury sports car maker Lamborghini gave Pope Francis a personalised white supercar on Wednesday, but he put it up for auction to raise money for charity rather than give up his trademark popemobile.

The Huracan sports car, which boasts a 610 metric horsepower, was blessed by the pontiff, who bent to scrawl his signature on its gleaming bonnet before it was sent off to Sotheby's auction house.

The supercar usually goes for around $237,000, but this model — featuring gold stripes and gold-rimmed wing mirrors in homage to the pope's gold-tipped stole — is expected to beat that.

The money raised will go to four charitable projects, including one aimed at rebuilding the homes and churches of persecuted Christians in the Nineveh Plains in Iraq.

The Lamborghini will also help fund an Italian association helping victims of human trafficking and prostitution rings, as well as two organisations active in Africa aimed at supporting vulnerable women and children.

Lamborghini Huracan that the Pope received as a gift from the Italian car company. PHOTO | OSSERVATORE ROMANO

 

It is not the first time the Argentine has received a high-speed gift: in 2014 he was given a Harley Davidson motorbike and jacket, both of which he auctioned off for charity.

The famously humble pontiff is more of a fan of buses.

He opted to ride one the day after his election in 2013 instead of taking a limousine, and regularly used them in his homeland Argentina instead of taxis.

The pope, who loves to be close to the people, has stuck doggedly to using his open-topped popemobile to move through the crowds at masses at both the Vatican and on foreign trips, despite security fears.

He has stayed faithful to the white all-terrain vehicles with bubble tops despite an accident in Colombia this year in which he lost his balance while it was moving and ended up with a black eye.

Historically, popes moved around on a "sedia gestatoria", a ceremonial red silk-covered throne which was carried on shoulders until the 20th century, when it was swapped for the popemobile.

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Walimu waliolala nje na kujikuta wamenyolewa wageuziwa kibao.

By Daniel Makaka.

 

Wananchi wa Kisiwa cha Soswa halmashauri ya Buchosa wilayani Sengerema wamewatupia mpira walimu waliojikuta wamelala nje kwa madai ya imani za kishirikina kuwa ni tukio la kutengenezwa.

Wakizungumza kwenye mkutano wa hadhara ulioitishwa jana Alhamisi kwa dharura kujadili suala hilo lililojitokeza usiku wa kuamkia Novemba 15, mwaka huu, katika viwanja vya shule ya msingi Soswa wananchi hao walisema tukio hilo ni la kutengenzwa ili kuishinikiza Serikali iwape uhamisho kutokana na mazingira magumu wanayokaa.

Mzee wa kisiwa hicho, Mashinga Boniphace (80) alisema hakuna ukweli juu ya tukio hilo kwani yeye pamoja na wazee wenzake waliangalia vibuyu na damu iliyokuwa imetapakaa ndani ya nyumba za walimu hao sio ya kishirikina.

“Walimu hao waliamua kuua ndege aina ya nyagenyange ili na kutapakaza damu hizo ndani ya nyumba zao pamoja na kwenye vibuyu ili kushinikiza uongozi wa juu kuwahamisha kutokana na juhudi zao za kuhama kugonga mwamba,”alisema Boniphance

Kauli ya mzee huyo wa mila ilipingwa na mkazi mwingine wa kijiji hicho, Mjula Magafu ambaye alisema suala hilo liangaliwe kwa kina kwakuwa limezua sintofahamu ndani ya kisiwa hicho na Taifa kwa ujumla.

Alisema kama walimu ndio walitengeneza tukio hilo wanapaswa kuchukuliwa hatua kwa kudanganya umma.
 

“Hapo awali lilipotokea tukio la nyumba zao kupondwa mawe walimu wote waliondoka na kubaki wawili ambapo hakukuwa na kitendo kama hicho, baadaye walimu waliokuwa wamesusia akiwemo mwalimu Daudi Shule na Wape Kisimu kitendo hicho kilijirudia tena na sasa wameamua kutengeneza tukio la kulazwa nje, tunapaswa kuchunguza kwa kina,” alisema Magafu

Baadhi ya wanafunzi waliozungumza na Mwananchi walisema tukio hilo limewaathiri kimasomo hivyo kushindwa kufanya vizuri kwenye mitihani yao.

Mwanafunzi wa darasa la tano, Malisela James aliiomba jamii ikubali kuwa walimu hao wamefanyiwa vitendo vya kishirikina na kwamba watafute namna ya kukukomesha ili kuwapa fursa ya kuendelea kusoma.

Mwenyekiti wa kamati ya shule, Lidia Buluba alilaani kitendo hicho ambacho kinahisishwa na imani za kishirikina huku akiwatupia lawama baadhi ya walimu waliotengeneza jambo hilo ili wapatiwe uhamisho kwa madai kuwa mazingira wanayoishi si mazuri.

Mwalimu Daudi Shule ambaye anapatiwa matibabu ya asili katika kijiji cha mwangakia yeye alidai alinyolewa sehemu za siri, mwalimu  Ernest Katunzi alithibisha kwa kumwona sehemu hizo kuwa amenyolewa pamoja na mwalimu Wape Kisumo aliyonyolewa nywele  kichwani  kwa pamoja walisema kuwa wanafanyiwa vitendo vya kishirikina  hata kipindi wanapondwa mawe jamii hiyo haikuamini.

Mwalimu mkuu wa shule hiyo, Petro Lukas alisema maneno yanayosemwa na jamii hawawezi kuyaamini na haamini kama walimu wametengeneza mazingira ya tukio hilo ili wahame kwa kuwa kazi yao ni kufundisha.

Mtendaji wa Kata ya Bulyaheke, Musa Mwilomba alisema kuwa anaiomba jamii kutokutupiana mpira juu ya tukio hilo na kwamba wanatakiwa kusameheana na kusahau kilichotokea ili kuanza sura mpya na walimu waendelee kufundisha.

Mkaguzi wa shule wilayani Sengerema, Elly Msulu aliyefika katika Kisiwa cha Soswa kupata ukweli juu ya tukio hilo aliitaka uchunguzi zaidi ufanyike kujua ukweli wa tukio hilo na watakaobainika hatua kali za kisheria dhidi yao zitachukuliwa huku akiwaomba walimu kuwa wavumilivu wakati suala hilo linatafutiwa ufumbuzi.

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UN urges Kenyan troops to stop Somalia charcoal export.

 

 Kismayu traders in Somalia selling charcoal on May 21, 2013.

 

By KEVIN J KELLEY More by this Author

 

The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday urged the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to implement a ban on charcoal exports which earns Al-Shabaab at least Sh1 billion ($10 million) a year.

In adopting a resolution renewing the ban, the council acted on the basis of a UN monitoring group finding that Al-Shabaab earns at least $10 million a year by shipping charcoal primarily to Dubai.

KDF contingents assigned to Amisom are specifically cited in the UN monitors’ report as having failed to assist Somali authorities in blocking charcoal exports.

The report notes that Kenyan troops are deployed at the two ports in Somalia from which Shabaab sends charcoal to Dubai. 

KDF commanders have denied the monitors access to those ports in Kismayo and Buur Gaabo, the report states.

The council resolution adopted by a vote of 11 in favour and four abstentions urges Amisom to assist Somali authorities in “implementing the total ban on the export of charcoal from Somalia.”

In a clear reference to the KDF units accused of preventing UN monitors from investigating the charcoal trade, the resolution “calls upon Amisom to facilitate regular access for the (monitors) to charcoal exporting ports.”

The resolution also threatens unspecified “measures” for failure to comply with the charcoal ban. UN monitors are urged in the resolution to continue focusing on efforts to enforce the ban adopted in 2012.

Efforts by a 32-nation coalition of maritime forces to “disrupt” the export of charcoal from Somalia are likewise endorsed in the council’s resolution. 

Addressing the 15-member body on Monday, Somalia UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said he particularly welcomes steps to fully implement the charcoal ban.

The resolution also renews for one year the partial lifting of an embargo aimed at preventing arms trafficking to Somalia.

The country’s government is permitted to make limited imports of weapons under the revised terms of the embargo.

The four countries abstaining in Monday’s vote were Bolivia, China, Egypt and Russia. 

Their decision to withhold affirmative votes was reportedly motivated in large part by disagreement with the resolution’s renewal of sanctions against Eritrea.

UN monitors say they have no evidence of Eritrean support for Shabaab.

Such alleged assistance was the basis for the punitive measures taken by the council against Eritrea in 2009.

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Fate of Zimbabwe's Mugabe hangs in the balance amid coup confusion.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (second right) poses alongside Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantino Chiwenga (right) and South African envoys at State House in Harare on November 16, 2017.

By REUTERS More by this Author
 

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s fate hung in the balance on Friday as he apparently resisted efforts to make him step down following a seizure of power by the army, until this week a key pillar of his 37-year-rule.

The United States, a longtime critic of Mugabe over allegations of human rights abuses and election rigging, is seeking “a new era” for Zimbabwe, the State Department’s top official for Africa said, an implicit call for the nonagenarian leader to quit.

The unfolding drama in the capital, Harare, was thrown into confusion when a smiling Mugabe was pictured shaking hands with Zimbabwe’s military chief, the man behind the coup, raising questions about whether or not the end of an era was near.

Mugabe unexpectedly drove on Thursday from his lavish “Blue Roof” compound, where he had been confined, to State House, where official media pictured him meeting military boss Constantino Chiwenga and South African mediators.

The official Herald newspaper carried no reports of the meeting’s outcome, leaving Zimbabwe’s 13 million people in the dark about the situation.

In an interview with Reuters, acting US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto appeared to dismiss the idea of Mugabe remaining in a transitional or ceremonial role.

“It’s a transition to a new era for Zimbabwe, that’s really what we’re hoping for,” Yamamoto said.

The army may want Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, to go quietly and allow a smooth and bloodless transition to Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president Mugabe sacked last week, triggering the crisis.

The main goal of the generals is to prevent Mugabe from handing power to his wife, Grace, 41 years his junior, who has built a following among the ruling party’s youth wing and appeared on the cusp of power after Mnangagwa was pushed out.

'Some agreement'

Mugabe, who at 93 has appeared increasingly frail in public, is insisting he remains Zimbabwe’s only legitimate ruler and is refusing to quit. But pressure was mounting on the former guerrilla to accept offers of a graceful exit, political sources said.

Zimbabwe’s former head of intelligence, Dumiso Dabengwa, was to hold a news conference in Johannesburg at 1200 GMT. A South African government source said he expected Dabengwa, a close ally of the ousted Mnangagwa, to discuss the events in Zimbabwe. 

“It seems there is some sort of agreement,” the source said.

The army’s takeover signalled the collapse in less than 36 hours of the security, intelligence and patronage networks that sustained Mugabe through almost four decades in power and built him into the “Grand Old Man” of African politics.

Mugabe is still seen by many Africans as a liberation hero. But he is reviled in the West as a despot whose disastrous handling of the economy and willingness to resort to violence to maintain power pauperised one of Africa’s most promising states.

Once a regional breadbasket, Zimbabwe saw its economy collapse after the seizure of white-owned farms in the early 2000s, followed by runaway money-printing that catapulted inflation to 500 billion percent in 2008.

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TIMU YA MAJIMAJI YATOA TUZO MAALUMU KWA WAZIRI MAKAMBA .

 Viongozi wa Timu ya Majimaji, hii leo wamekabidhi tuzo maalumu kwa Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais Muungano na Mazingira Mhe. January Makamba kwa kutambua mchango wake katika kuiwezesha timu yao kuwa na mafanikio na kupata wadhamini, tuzo huyo imetolewa katika jengo la hazina Mjini Dodoma.

 Viongozi wa timu ya Majimaji wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja mara baada ya kukabidhi tuzo maalumu kwa Waziri Makamba kwa kutambua mchango wake katika kukuza timu yao na kuwasaidia kupata ufadhili. Kushoto ni Mwenyekiti Bw. Stephen Ngonyani, Stephen Mapunda Mwenyekiti Kamati ya Ufundi na Bw. Vian Nchimbi shabiki wa timu hiyo Bw. Vian Nchimbi.

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Balozi Chokala aeleza walivyomsafirisha Dk Shika kijajusi.

Siku mbili zikiwa zimepita tangu Dk Louis Shika kuelezea siku 28 za mateso aliyoyapata nchini Urusi, aliyekuwa Balozi wa Tanzania nchini humo wakati huo, Patrick Chokala amefichua siri jinsi walivyomsafirisha kijasusi ‘bilionea huyo wa nyumba za Lugumi’ kurudi Tanzania.

Balozi Chokala aliyekuwa Urusi kati ya mwaka 2002 na 2008 katika kipindi ambacho sakata la utekwaji wa Dk Shika lilijitokeza, amethibitisha kuwa ni kweli Mtanzania huyo ni daktari na kwamba ni kweli amewahi kutekwa.

Dk Shika anatuhumiwa kuvuruga mnada wa majumba ya mfanyabiashara maarufu, Said Lugumi uliofanywa na kampuni ya Yono baada ya kufika bei ya kuzinunua nyumba hizo tatu kwa Sh3.2 bilioni, lakini akashindwa kutimiza sharti la kulipa asilimia 25 ya fedha hizo.

Kushindwa huko kulipa kulisababisha awekwe rumande katika Kituo Kikuu cha Polisi Dar es Salaam kwa siku sita hadi alipoachiwa kwa kujidhamini mwenywe Novemba 14 na kutakiwa kuripoti kila siku.

Mara baada ya kutoka polisi kwa dhamana, Mwananchi lilifanya mahojiano maalumu na Dk Shika nyumbani kwake Tabata Mawenzi na alieleza mambo mbalimbali ikiwamo kutekwa na kuteswa akiwa Urusi Juni 2004, ikiwa ni pamoja na kukatwa vidole viwili mkono wa kushoto na kimoja mkono wa kulia.

Pia alieleza jinsi alivyofanikiwa kuwatoroka watekaji hao.
Jana, Mwananchi lilizungumza na Balozi Chokala ambaye alisema analikumbuka vizuri tukio la kutekwa kwa Dk Shika na jinsi ubalozi ulivyomsaidia asipatwe na kadhia kubwa zaidi. “Ni kweli huyo jamaa ni daktari wa binadamu. Alisoma Chuo Kikuu cha Lumumba kilichopo Moscow, Urusi,” alisema Balozi Chokala.

Alisema kutokana na upekee wa yaliyomsibu Dk Shika, ubalozi ulilazimika kuingilia kati ili kunusuru maisha yake.
Kwa kumbukumbu zake, balozi huyo alisema Dk Shika alitekwa na majambazi waliokuwa wanataka fedha ambazo yeye mwenyewe (Dk Shika) alikuwa anajigamba kuwa nazo na kuwashawishi watekaji hao kumfuatilia.

“Majigambo ya kumiliki fedha nyingi hajayaanza leo. Tangu akiwa Urusi alikuwa anasema anamiliki fedha nyingi. Watu walimuamini kwa sababu alikuwa daktari anayetambulika, matokeo yake alitekwa,” alisema Chokala, ambaye amewahi kuwa mwandishi wa Rais wa awamu ya pili, Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

Balozi huyo alisema baada ya kufanikiwa kuwatoroka majambazi hao ambao baadaye walikamatwa na polisi nchini humo kisha kufunguliwa mashtaka, Dk Shika alipelekwa hospitali kwa matibabu akiwa amepoteza vidole kadhaa vya mikono yote miwili.

Alisema majambazi hao walimtesa kwa muda mrefu kwa kuwa mpaka anapatikana vidole hivyo vilikuwa vimeanza kuoza.
“Walimshikilia kwa muda mrefu kwa kuwa walihitaji fedha ambazo Dk Shika hakuwa nazo,” anakumbuka balozi huyo aliyestaafu mara baada ya kurudi nchini.

Alisema baada ya ubalozi kupewa taarifa zake, ulifuatilia na kugundua kwamba alipelekwa nchini humo na Wizara ya Afya, na alikuwa amelipiwa kila kitu ikiwa ni pamoja na tiketi ya ndege.

Wakati anatekwa, alisema Dk Shika alikuwa ameshahitimu lakini hakuwa na nauli ya kurudi nyumbani, hivyo akawa anahangaika kupata nafasi ya kuendelea na shahada ya uzamili.

“Tulipowasiliana na wizara walithibitisha kuwa ni mtu wao. Tuliandaa utaratibu wa kumrudisha bila yeye kujua kwa sababu hakuwa anataka kufanya hivyo,” alisema.
Akiwa anaendelea kuhudumiwa, ubalozi ulimuandalia safari ya kurudi bila yeye kufahamu kuepuka asitoroke.

Balozi Chokala alisema ilikuwa ni lazima Dk Shika arudishwe kuepusha janga jingine linaloweza kumkuta endapo angeendelea kuishi nchini humo. “Kujirudia kwa tatizo kama hilo kungeupa ubalozi lawama. Hatukutaka kujiweka kwenye nafasi hiyo,” alisema

Baada ya mipango yote kukamilika, askari wa ubalozini walimpeleka uwanja wa ndege na kumkabidhi kwa wahudumu wa ndege iliyokuwa inakuja Tanzania wakiwaelekeza wasimshushe popote isipokuwa Dar es Salaam ambako Wizara ya Afya ilikuwa inamsubiri.

Mpango huo ulitekelezwa kama ulivyopangwa na wizara ikathibitisha kumpokea mtumishi wake huyo ambaye balozi Chokala anasema alipewa nyumba na akawa anaendelea na majukumu yake.

“Akiwa Urusi, nilielezwa kuwa alikuwa ana matatizo ya kijamii ambayo yaliendelea kumuandama hata aliporudi. Nasikia kuna wakati alienda kwao na hakurudi tena kazini,” alisema.

Kwa muda wote wa kushughulikia sakata la ‘bilionea’ huyo, balozi alisema hakuonana naye na alipomsikia kwenye vyombo vya habari akawa hana uhakika ingawa jina lilikuwa lenyewe. “Siwezi kumsahau.

Tukio lake lilikuwa la kipekee,” alisema na kufafanua kuwa ubalozi haukuendelea kufuatilia kesi yake kwa kuwa walichokipa kipaumbele ni usalama wa Mtanzania huyo.

Kuhusu Dk Shika kuwa ni Rais wa kampuni ya Lancefort aliyoianzisha akiwa Urusi ambayo Serikali ya nchi hiyo ilitilia shaka mwenendo wake, hivyo kuifuatilia, Balozi Chokala alisema hafahamu chochote.

“Siwezi kulizungumzia hili. Kwa wakati huo, usalama wake ulikuwa muhimu zaidi na ndio tulioupa kipaumbele,” alisema.
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Zimbabwe’s Military, in Apparent Takeover, Says It Has Custody of Mugabe.

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and his wife, Grace, last year. Zimbabwe’s military said Wednesday that Mr. Mugabe and his family “are safe and sound, and their security is guaranteed.” Credit Aaron Ufumeli/European Pressphoto Agency 

 

By JEFFREY MOYO and NORIMITSU ONISHI.

 

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s military said early Wednesday that it had taken custody of President Robert Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, in what increasingly appeared to be a military takeover in the southern African nation.

After apparently seizing the state broadcaster, ZBC, two uniformed officers said in a short predawn announcement that “the situation in our country has moved to another level.” While denying that the military had seized power, they said that Mr. Mugabe and his family “are safe and sound, and their security is guaranteed.”

“We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice,” said the main speaker, who was identified as Maj. Gen. S. B. Moyo, the army’s chief of staff.

General Moyo — who was not widely known to the public but who was considered close to the commander of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, Gen. Constantine Chiwenga — warned that “any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.”

Around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, taxis were running on the main roads leading to central Harare and people seemed to be making their way to work. Some soldiers could be seen on the main roads but were not stopping commuters.

 After the short announcement, commercials on farming and corn seeds appeared on the state broadcaster. There was no further clarification of the whereabouts or status of Mr. Mugabe, 93, who is the only leader his nation has known since independence in 1980.

The office of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa said in a statement that Mr. Zuma and Mr. Mugabe had spoken. Mr. Mugabe “indicated that he was confined to his home but said that he was fine,” the statement said. It said that South Africa was in contact with the Zimbabwean military.

Asked in a brief telephone interview about reports of a possible coup, Zimbabwe’s information minister, Simon Khaya Moyo, said, “What can I say? I don’t know about that.” He did not elaborate.

The television announcement came after a long night of rumors and sketchy reports in Harare that a coup might be underway. The day before, in a remarkable act of defiance, General Chiwenga had warned that “when it comes to matters of protecting our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in.”

General Chiwenga visited China last week and met with top military officials there. Asked Wednesday whether he had informed them of plans for a military takeover, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said he was “not aware of the details” but that the visit had been “a normal military exchange,” The Associated Press reported.

A military vehicle in Harare, the capital, on Wednesday. Foreign embassies there warned their citizens to stay indoors. Credit Associated Press

China and Zimbabwe have long been allies, and Mr. Mugabe has been warmly welcomed on regular visits to Beijing. Mr. Mnangagwa went to China for military training in the 1960s, when China supported Mr. Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army.

General Chiwenga was considered close to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whom Mr. Mugabe summarily expelled from the government and the governing ZANU-PF party last week. The move was widely seen as clearing the path for Mr. Mugabe’s wife, Grace, 52, who had been amassing growing political power in the past two years as her aging husband’s health declined visibly.

Since his removal, the whereabouts of Mr. Mnangagwa, who like Mr. Mugabe was a veteran of the country’s struggle for independence, has been shrouded in mystery.

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The question of who will succeed Mr. Mugabe has long haunted Zimbabwe and its political class and led to conflicts among its members even as the country’s once-promising economy shriveled.

In Harare, as uncertainty over the political situation grew overnight, foreign embassies warned their citizens to stay indoors on Wednesday. The United States Embassy said on its website that “as a result of the ongoing political uncertainty through the night, the ambassador has instructed all employees to remain home tomorrow.”

American citizens, the embassy said, “are encouraged to shelter in place until further notice.”

On Tuesday, neither the military nor Mr. Mugabe issued any public statements even as rumors of a possible coup surfaced on social media and in the streets. But Mr. Moyo asserted in a statement that “the ruling ZANU-PF reaffirms the primacy of politics over the gun.”

Mr. Moyo, who is also the party’s national secretary for information and publicity, said the statement by General Chiwenga “suggests treasonable conduct on his part as this was meant to incite insurrection and violent challenge to constitutional order.”

“Purporting to speak on behalf of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces,” he said, “was not only surprising but was an outrageous vitiation of professional soldiership and his wartime record as high-ranking freedom fighter, entrusted with command responsibilities in a free and democratic Zimbabwe.”

Mr. Moyo’s statement, broadcast during the evening news hour on state television, came hours after a leader of the party’s Youth League made similar remarks at the ZANU-PF headquarters in Harare.

Kudzanayi Chipanga, the youth league’s secretary, suggested that military officers unhappy with the government should first return to civilian life if they wanted to become politicians.

“General Chiwenga and all those in the security sector who wish to engage in politics are free to throw their hats in the ring and not hide behind the barrel of the gun,” said Mr. Chipanga, who became a favorite of Zimbabwe’s first family after he helped organize a march last year in support of Mr. Mugabe’s leadership.

The youth league accused the general of siding with a faction loyal to Mr. Mnangagwa. The league has urged that Mrs. Mugabe be endorsed as the new vice president in a party conference scheduled for next month.

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