News

Tanzanian politican barred from US for rights ‘violations’

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:05 pm

A leading Tanzanian politician who launched a crackdown on homosexuality has been banned from visiting the United States, the US State Department said.
In a statement dated Friday, the US said the sanctions on Paul Christian Makonda, the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic capital, come amid Washington’s growing concerns about basic freedoms in the East African nation.
“These actions against Paul Christian Makonda underscore our concern with human rights violations and abuses in Tanzania,” the statement read.
Both Makonda and his wife, Mary Felix Massenge, are now barred from visiting the US.
“The Department of State is publicly designating Paul Christian Makonda… due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights, which include the flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons,” the statement read.
“He has also been implicated in oppression of the political opposition, crackdowns on freedom of expression and association, and the targeting of marginalised individuals.”
In October 2018, Makonda announced a project to hunt down homosexuals.
President John Magufuli later distanced himself from this initiative, explaining that it did not reflect the views of his government.
But it comes amid rising criticism of Magufuli by watchdogs for his human rights record.
“The United States remains deeply concerned over deteriorating respect for human rights and rule of law in Tanzania,” the statement read.
“We call on the Tanzanian government to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, association, and the right of peaceful assembly,” it added.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

South African Group Petitions For Chidimma Adetshina’s Removal FromInternational Miss Universe Pageant Over Identity Fraud Allegations

A group called Progressive Forces in South Africa has launched a petition against MissUniverse Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, with the aim…

November 5, 2024

Mauritius Reopens Social MediaAccess in Response to PublicPressure

Mauritius on Saturday overruled its decision to prohibit social media until the election onNovember 10th which was caused by a…

November 5, 2024

UAE Crown Prince Arrives in Ethiopia for WorldWithout Hunger Conference

The UAE’s Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan was in Addis Ababa…

November 5, 2024

Zimbabwe’s rich (Mbingas) linked to state looting

Gilbert Machokoto, a former teacher, said that setting up a business in the late 1980s, shortlyafter Zimbabwe's independence, was ‘like…

November 4, 2024

Historic Shift in Botswana as PresidentConcedes to Opposition Victory

Following elections in which the party that had ruled the diamond-rich nation for almost 60years suffered a historic setback. Botswana's…

November 4, 2024

Lightning Strike at Uganda Refugee CampClaims 14 Lives, Including Children

A lightning strike at a refugee camp in Uganda kills 14 people including children with 34 othershospitalized. The incident happened…

November 4, 2024

This website uses cookies.