Tanzania Roundup: Presidential visits, bilateral relations, suspension of government appointee

Establishment of arbitration centre

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) is drafting laws on arbitration ahead of plans to establish an arbitration centre. The laws, according to The Citizen, will advance investment and the blue economy in Zanzibar. The arbitration centre will be the first outside of the court system despite already existing arbitration laws. The existing outdated laws are being repealed for replacement. Minister of State at the Office of the President, Constitution Law, Public Service and Good Governance, Haroun Ali Suleiman said the move will facilitate the fast processing of dispute cases between investors and entities to avoid backlogs.

President visits the Pope

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to visit the Vatican following an invitation by Pope Francis. The visit scheduled for February 11 and 12, 2024 will see the president hold talks with the leader of the Catholic Church. She is expected to be accompanied by five leaders of the Catholic Church from Tanzania. According to local news outlet, Mwananchi, the president will, before this, visit Indonesia between January 24 and 26. She will also visit Norway after she visits the Pope.  

Community watch party launched

The Ministry of Health and President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government has partnered with Breakthrough ACTION, an NGO to launch community watch parties to make football watching more exciting in Tanzania. The campaign is centred around Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and focuses on the promotion of AFCON games at community gatherings to enhance essential health awareness, according to Daily News. It hopes to enhance the health status of citizens and promote healthier behaviours and is part of a campaign to promote vaccination activities and HIV prevention and treatment services.

Minister suspends District Council Director

The Executive Director of Pangani District Council in the Tanga region, Isaya Mbenje has been suspended for failing to perform his duties, local news platform, Mwananchi reported. According to a statement, the Minister of Tamisemi, Mohamed Mchengerwa decided Mbenje’s fate after his lax posturing towards the implementation of development projects. The report further noted that the Director failed to solve the problems of the people in his district.

Bilateral relations

Top leaders from China, Cuba, and Poland are expected to visit Tanzania at different times this year. Deputy Prime Minister of China Liu Guozhong is expected to arrive in the country on Monday, January 22 for a three-day visit. This will be followed by Vice President of Cuba Salvador Valdes Mesa who will visit on January 23 for three days to engage in bilateral talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Dar 24 reported. Poland’s President Andrzej Duda is also scheduled to visit Tanzania on February 8 and 9 to engage in talks about infrastructure development partnerships, and tourism among others.