PROCESSED MEAT, TANZANIAN ELECTIONS AND OTHER NEWS

Living overseas and switching on mainstream TVs –early this week- the headlines were not Tanzania’s elections but the meat issue. As for international politics of governance, – Sunday October 25^th appeared to incorporate  elections in over five nations, Ivory Coast, Poland, Argentina, Congo Brazzaville and Tanzania...  Speaking of Tanzania, London’s BBC and other major channels hardly mentioned her on Sunday.

It was Al Jazeera.

RELIGIOUS STRIFE SPREADS TO TANZANIA

For the first time in our history many of us are beginning to doubt if Tanzania is going to keep up the tag of one of the most peaceful nations in Africa. Burning churches and inciting religious hatred is growing wings in this highly respected country.  Last weekend we were confronted with pictures of those appearing in court and most felt that they are being treated too softly.

Church burning pic courtsey of Francis Brady....

The latest chain of events in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam raised widespread concerns overseas. Listen to some random views around London early this week.

“Things are not right, back home. Where are we heading to?”

“It’s been a roller coaster year. Doctors’ leader beaten up. Journalist brutally killed. His intestines dismembered for the world to see. Mwanza police chief shot. Zanzibar policeman shot. Now this...” 

“Former President Mkapa did the right thing in 1998. Remember Mwembechai killings? He did not let rioters play games. He stamped things right away. Why is the present leadership letting things slip into a nightmare?”

And on the internet it was more explicit.

“Dar is like Syria now.”
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