As President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday officiated the launch of a committee to look into the criminal justice system she expressed her dissatisfaction with rogue elements in the government who have been violating people’s rights.
These officials, some of whom are responsible for dispensing justice, have tended to exploit loopholes in the system itself as they ‘deal squarely’ with government critics.
In doing so, as was the case with the abused plea bargaining arrangement, they have robbed innocent ‘suspects’ of their money and property. That is why the cash collected through plea bargaining has not yet been put to use because there is no law guiding its expenditure. Worst still, some of it can’t be traced. This is not the first time for President Samia to speak about the abuse of the justice system in the country.
She has repeatedly criticized the unprofessional, illegal conduct of some police officers, the second-rate efficiency of government prosecutors that results in overflown remand prisons, and the uncreative correctional system that hardens rather than fixing criminal behavior of inmates.
We are deeply relieved that concerns over the broken criminal justice system now come from the very top of the government.
We are aware that the Controller and Auditor General has launched an investigation and that his report is expected to be made public next month.
With all the information that is now public over the abuse of plea bargaining, it is time to take action. Criminal investigation should be launched against all those involved. They could be part of a powerful and wide network of rogue officials within and without the government.
But President Hassan must act swiftly to prevent these ‘culprits’ from manipulating the system and tampering with evidence. Taking them to book will send a message that those who are responsible with dispensing justice are not above the law.
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European Union Bans Air Tanzania Over Safety Concerns
Kampala — The European Commission added Air Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List, banning the airline from operating within European Union airspace. This decision follows the denial of Air Tanzania’s Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), citing significant safety deficiencies.
The EU Air Safety List includes airlines that fail to meet international safety standards. Commissioner Tzitzikostas emphasized the importance of passenger safety, stating: “The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards. We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift action to address these safety issues. The Commission has offered its assistance to Tanzanian authorities to enhance safety performance and achieve compliance with international aviation standards.”
Air Tanzania joins several African airlines banned from EU airspace, including carriers from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Kenya. Notable names include Congo Airways, Sudan Airways, and Kenyan carriers Silverstone Air Services and Skyward Express. The ban reflects the EU’s strict approach to aviation safety worldwide.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
