By
Our Staff Reporters, Zanzibar and Nairobi, GMT 16:00.
In what constitutes political meddling, Acting US Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Inmi Patterson is accused of involving in local issues including holding secret meetings with members of the opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo in Zanzibar on Friday.
Reliable sources from within ACT –Wazalendo confirmed that Dr Patterson met with Seif Shariff Hamad on Friday night where they discussed political issues, specifically the upcoming general election slated for October, this year.
The meeting took place at Seif Shariff Hamad residence at Chukwani area in Urban West region from 7:00pm to 7:45pm. The talks, according to our sources, centered on ACT-Wazalendo's preparedness for the next general election.
The meeting was also attended by other members of the ACT-Wazalendo party, among them; Ismail Jussa, Mansoor Yussuf Himid, Mohammed Ahmed Al Mugheiry (Eddi Riyami).
According to sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the US-Acting Ambassador was granted permission to meet with US citizens on the Isles.
"She asked for permission to go to Zanzibar to meet with US citizens, but instead she met and held talks with political parties. It is clear that she is violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relation of 1961," said a source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania.
The diplomat has been criticized by various people for his breaches on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 article 41 which strongly prohibits the diplomats from interfering with the internal affairs of the receiving states.
"Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State," says a Yale Graduate in peace studies Prof John Wachira, based in Naitobi.
They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State, adds the academic.
Further reports say that this is not the first time the US –Acting Ambassador holds secret talks with leaders of opposition parties in the country. The reason behind her move remains unclear.
Diplomats are often granted certain privileges and immunities to ensure they may effectively carry out their duties, and also allow for maintenance of government relations.
According to article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relation, without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.
They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State.
Article nine of the Vienna convention says the host country can declare any member of foreign diplomatic staff as “persona non grata” and require them to be removed.
In what constitutes political meddling, Acting US Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Inmi Patterson is accused of involving in local issues including holding secret meetings with members of the opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo in Zanzibar on Friday.
Reliable sources from within ACT –Wazalendo confirmed that Dr Patterson met with Seif Shariff Hamad on Friday night where they discussed political issues, specifically the upcoming general election slated for October, this year.
The meeting took place at Seif Shariff Hamad residence at Chukwani area in Urban West region from 7:00pm to 7:45pm. The talks, according to our sources, centered on ACT-Wazalendo's preparedness for the next general election.
The meeting was also attended by other members of the ACT-Wazalendo party, among them; Ismail Jussa, Mansoor Yussuf Himid, Mohammed Ahmed Al Mugheiry (Eddi Riyami).
According to sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the US-Acting Ambassador was granted permission to meet with US citizens on the Isles.
"She asked for permission to go to Zanzibar to meet with US citizens, but instead she met and held talks with political parties. It is clear that she is violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relation of 1961," said a source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania.
The diplomat has been criticized by various people for his breaches on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 article 41 which strongly prohibits the diplomats from interfering with the internal affairs of the receiving states.
"Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State," says a Yale Graduate in peace studies Prof John Wachira, based in Naitobi.
They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State, adds the academic.
Further reports say that this is not the first time the US –Acting Ambassador holds secret talks with leaders of opposition parties in the country. The reason behind her move remains unclear.
Diplomats are often granted certain privileges and immunities to ensure they may effectively carry out their duties, and also allow for maintenance of government relations.
According to article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relation, without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.
They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State.
Article nine of the Vienna convention says the host country can declare any member of foreign diplomatic staff as “persona non grata” and require them to be removed.
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