CMAG MEETING: Tanzania vows democratic reforms

LONDON: TANZANIA has reaffirmed that strengthening democratic reforms is a continuing process, underscoring its commitment to uphold Commonwealth values that promote national stability and reconciliation.

The assurance was given on Saturday by Minister of State in the President’s Office (Special Duties), Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, when he led the country’s delegation to the 72nd meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in London, United Kingdom.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Dr Ian Borg.

“We are firmly committed to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national reconciliation and safeguarding Tanzania’s longstanding peace and stability,” said Prof Kabudi.

Prof Kabudi updated member states on the government’s response to the events of October 29th last year and the ongoing reform agenda under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

He said the reforms are guided by the national framework Repair – Rebuild – Renew, which aims to reinforce democratic institutions, promote national reconciliation and restore public confidence in governance.

During the meeting, Prof Kabudi highlighted the work of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Chief Justice (rtd) Mohamed Chande Othman and preparations for establishing a National Reconciliation Commission to support dialogue, healing and national cohesion.

He also reaffirmed Tanzania’s readiness to facilitate a visit from the Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy.

CMAG welcomed Tanzania’s engagement and encouraged continued progress on the reform measures, stressing the importance of democratic governance, rule of law and adherence to the Commonwealth Charter.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is the principal mechanism for addressing serious or persistent violations of the political values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter.

It comprises nine member states appointed by Commonwealth Heads of Government, currently including Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, Zambia and Malta, which serves as Chair.

Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Commonwealth Secretariat and fellow member states as it advances its reform and reconciliation process.

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Tanzania’s participation in the CMAG meeting forms part of a broader programme of engagements in London related to meetings of the Commonwealth, including the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM).

As part of these engagements, Prof Kabudi met with Tanzanians living in the United Kingdom, where he conveyed greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and encouraged members of the diaspora to continue investing in Tanzania and contributing their expertise to national development.

He said that Tanzanians living abroad play an important role in supporting the country’s economic growth through investment, capital, skills and experience acquired overseas.

He encouraged the diaspora to participate in development projects, purchase shares in investment initiatives and collaborate with professionals in Tanzania to strengthen sectors such as health, education and technology.

The minister was accompanied during the visit by the President’s Advisor on Diplomacy, Ambassador Lazaro Nyalandu. While in London, the delegation was received at the Tanzania’s High Commission in the UK by the High Commissioner, Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki.

Speaking on behalf of the Tanzanian diaspora in London, Mr Hassan Khamis thanked Prof Kabudi for meeting with Tanzanians living abroad, saying the diaspora will continue to work closely with the government in contributing to the development of their country.