Press Summaries: May 21st, 2010

Source: British High Commission, Dar es Salaam http://ukintanzania.fco.gov.uk/en

Zanzibar: Grand welcome awaits Masauni  

Protest seems to be simmering within CCM youth wing (UVCCM) leadership, some of them saying President Jakaya Kikwete was instrumental in the resignation of Chairman Yusuf Masauni. They refuse to believe CCM Secretary General Yusuf Makamba who said Masauni resigned on his own volition. They even implicate Ridhwan Kikwete in the plot to oust Masauni. UVCCM Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar) Mohammed Moyo was also asked to quit. Meanwhile, in Zanzibar party youth from Unguja and Pemba are preparing a grand welcome for Masauni. They are going to receive him at the Malindi jetty, with banners and T-shirts proclaiming Masauni as a hero. From there he will be escorted to his home at Kisima Majongoo. (Nipashe, Mwananchi, Mtanzania, Tanzania Daima, Majira 

Governance: Ministers on campaign trails

In a move that is seen as part of the elections fever, State House has issued a circular suspending all foreign travels of ministers who are instead required to tour the regions. They are told to go and meet the people and explain to them how the government has fulfilled its targets and promises. This will not be the first regional tour by ministers. In 2007 they were sent out to propagate and promote the 2007/08 budget. This time a time-table has been prepared for ministers’ regional visits. RCs are told to make sure that the visits are “well prepared and organised.” (Mwananchi)

Opposition: Chadema - CCM is playing foul

Chadema said it has obtained documents purporting to show how CCM intends to rig the October elections. Chadema director of legal and human rights, Tundu Lissu told the press yesterday that the papers were seized in Singida after a CCM cadre was found recording details of voters. It instructs branch secretaries to carry out a census of all voters with their particulars. They are told they will be given funds to enable them to conduct campaign in various places such as music halls and wedding parties. Lissu said it is evident that CCM intends to bribe voters. He called upon the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the police and National Electoral Commission (NEC) to intervene and take steps against those responsible. He also urged civil and faith-based organisations to make sure that the attempt by CCM is nipped in the bud.  When contacted, the CCM director for publicity, Tambwe Hiza, said all his party is doing is listing and recording its members without interfering with opposition members. (Nipashe, Tanzania Daima, Majira)

 

Diplomatic: Embassy suspect is orphan

It is revealed that Nassib Zukheri (16), a student who is accused of trying to blow up the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam, is an orphan staying with his aunt. Sources say he lives at Kinondoni Moscow, near the Livingstone Hotel. This paper managed to reach his home where the aunt, Chiku Simba, said she knew nothing about Nassib. Chiku, in the company of her husband Mzee Simba, said: “All we know is what we read in the press.” But neighbours confirmed that Nassib stays with the aunt since his parents died. Meanwhile, the US Embassy has issued a statement saying on 16 May this year, at 8.30 pm Nassib managed to bypass the KK security guards at the main gate. He then threw a Molotov cocktail at a water truck that was parked near the fence. There was no fire and no one was hurt, the mission statement says. (Habari Leo)

Snippets:

1      Spin doctors invent stories over US Embassy (An-Nuur)

2      Mwanza mayor nabbed over murder of CCM ward secretary (Habari Leo, Nipashe, Mwananchi, Mtanzania, Tanzania Daima, Majira)

3      Mara RC to nab school girls given in marriage (Habari Leo)

4      NEC declares new constituencies (Nipashe)

5      Dar voters urged to register on Tuesday, Wednesday (Nipashe, Mtanzania)

6      Ten are rescued as ‘MV Muafaka’ goes under with 200 bags of charcoal while sailing from Pemba to Kenya  (Nipashe)

7      Form four students in Tanga boycott mock exams (Nipashe)

8      Swedish ambassador cautions on misuse of public funds (Mwananchi)

9      Pemba power project is sabotaged (Mwananchi)

10    Kilimanjaro to produce 2 million tons of food next year (Mwananchi)

11   CCM leaders have a fist fight in Kagera (Mtanzania)

12   NGOs say MKUKUTA failed to deliver (Majira)

13   Kisarawe teachers spend one week in a month to chase salary (Majira)

14   The hammer on CCM crest is now used to knock workers (An-Nuur)