By Special Writer*
I read with dismay the
article which appeared in the Economist of May 28th 2016 about the
Tanzanian leader, Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli and his government only to
find it both distasteful and amateurish to say the least. The fact that the
arguments advanced are full of insults and belittles a Head of State of a
country with no shares in the Economist, is a sign of not only disrespect but a
loss of focus by an otherwise “respected” international paper.
No wonder the current
feeling worldwide is that the Economist we all used to almost adore is nowadays
a mere tabloid devoid of decency, quasi combative and totally disingenuous.
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| His campaigns attracted unprecedented crowds |
Certainly, the Tanzania
leader does not govern impulsively. Neither does he lead the government by
gesture. To the contrary, he is fully committed to strengthening democratic
principles of good governance and rule of law, leads a sustained fight against
corruption and brings about efficiency and accountability in delivery of
services to the people, subsequently lifting the majority of them out of
poverty.
These efforts are what the Economist does not appreciate. Instead, the author of the article shows a high degree of
ignorance and ineptness and intentionally attempts to mislead the world of a
well thought through President Magufuli’s vision.
The President is evidently
taking measures and carrying out reforms that strongly support favorable business
climate that will spur speedy economic growth. He firmly thinks things through
and with high degree of clarity for that matter.
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| In power he is unleashing BUSINESS UNUSUAL ways of governance |
The majority of the people
of Tanzania embrace what he is doing and stands for. Understandably the few, who
have ripped off our resources unchecked over centuries and take them away to
develop Europe, are not amused.
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| Many have unshaken confidence in him |
The article fails to sharpen
the arguments by showing reasons behind what it terms tax irrationality, claims
of a country becoming uninvestable, but even discussing in all fairness America’s
usual double standards in respect to upholding of human rights and arrogance of
interfering in internal matters of other sovereign states.
However, overall the
investment climate in Tanzania continues to improve considerably. The Dar es
Salaam port is currently one of the most efficient and corrupt free ports in
this part of the world. Cargo handling is done electronically and on a 24 hour
basis.
Meanwhile, businesses can
now be registered on line. Air and surface transport network especially roads,
offer the most cost effective connectivity in the region. Power supply is
stable and connectivity has reached 40% which is one of the highest on the
continent.
The development budget for
2016/2017 focuses mainly on wealth creation and laying foundation for
industrialization and has been increased from 27% the previous fiscal year to
40% this year. Surely, it is inconceivable to allege that this government is
being led by gestures!
On the other hand, it is a
blatant and an unqualified lie to assert that the country has expelled
thousands of Kenyan teachers who purportedly did not have proper working
permits. Arguably Tanzania is one of the few countries with very liberal
immigration and labor laws making it a favored destination for people from all
over the world including conservative UK.
Of course since the author
might have been paid to insult us, it is not surprising that some disgruntled
and erratic opposition leaders are being quoted to paint a negative image of
the country.
Yes Africa needs strong men
and strong women to lead strong institutions. And yes Tanzania is just doing
that for the benefit of her citizens. Those businessmen or so called foreign
investors who used to siphon our resources with absolute impunity using corrupt
government leaders and politicians, who do not want strong men and women,
should count themselves unwanted.
They will continue to use tabloids
like the Economist to discredit committed and honest governments such as that
led by President Magufuli. Definitely time is running out for them and Africa
is no longer the same old highly indebted and dependent continent.
Tanzania’s new vision and
economic model will work for our people and not foreigners seated in London who
still think the continent can relapse into absurdity under crocked white stocky
colonialists.
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| Recent visit by Vietnam President showcases his great diplomatic and investor friendliness |
The country is taking its destiny
in its own hands and in collaboration with trustworthy foreign partners and by instilling a culture of high degree of discipline,
accountability and efficiency with emphasis on prudence, proper collection and
utilization of revenue, control government expenditure and allow private and
public investments to flourish.
These agents of change stand
out high on the current government’s development agenda. President Magufuli remains focused and is
firmly in charge of the destiny of Tanzania and God bless him abundantly.
It is time we completely stop begging sprees
to London, Washington, Brussels etc.
*The
author has identified himself as a patriot Tanzania, pro African development and
a true Pan-African based in Dar es Salaam.
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