Mbeto: It Is Absurd to Claim Tanzania Lacks Democracy and Freedom of Worship

By Our Correspondent, Zanzibar

The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has said that associating Tanzania with any form of discrimination or claiming that the country violates democratic principles while suppressing freedom of worship is an unprecedented absurdity.

CCM further emphasized that anyone making such claims does not understand the true history of Tanzania before the eyes of the world.

The remarks were made by the Secretary of the Zanzibar NEC Special Committee, Department of Ideology, Publicity and Training, Khamis Mbeto Khamis, who said those who believe they can tarnish Tanzania’s image should reflect carefully.

Mbeto stated that if there are nations in the world that, since attaining independence, have been governed with respect for the rule of law, human dignity, human rights, and democracy, Tanzania is among those nations.

He said it is an undeniable truth that Tanzania does not support same-sex relationships, does not promote homosexuality, and cannot become a puppet state lacking a firm national stance.

“We understand that if you want your dog to die quickly, you give it a bad name. Any attempt to tarnish Tanzania under the pretext of human rights and democracy violations has neither evidence nor substance,” said Mbeto.

He explained that the decision by one political party to boycott the General Election for its own reasons and attempt to create tension does not justify claims of poor governance, lack of democracy, or suppression of freedom of worship.

“Tanzania is a leading teacher of democracy, good governance, and the protection of human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. If there are people raising their voices out of pressure, emotions, or fanaticism, let them continue doing so,” he explained.

The publicity secretary also added that no political party has been prevented from participating in the General Election, nor have politicians been unfairly arrested and detained without violating the laws of the country.

“Tanzania is not a colony of any nation in the world. It gained its independence through political struggles based on principles and began governing itself. Threats, intimidation, and arrogance must come to an end from now on,” he clarified.

Mbeto said that if some nations had hoped to use the General Election as an opportunity to plunge Tanzania into chaos that would eventually lead to a revolution and the removal of the legitimate government elected by citizens, they should reconsider their plans.

“We cannot continue living in constant confrontation. Africans rejected all forms of slavery since the colonial era, including mental slavery, intellectual suppression, and the inability to make independent decisions,” Mbeto said confidently.

He further gave examples, saying Tanzania is the only nation in the world where citizens live without discrimination based on race, religion, or tribe, and instead respect one another and live in peace and love.