Tuesday, October 2, 2012

President Kikwete, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Mayor Bloomberg and Ms. Agerup meet to discuss maternal and newborn deaths



President Kikwete (left) in official talks with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  (This photo is a courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies/Jin Lee).


New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right), and Ms. Helen Agerup (center), President of H&B Agerup Foundation, listening to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania as talks about the maternal health and newborn deaths in Tanzania. The Bloomberg Philanthropies have supported Tanzania since 2006 and has invested USD 7.5 million toards the project aimed to prevent maternal and newborn deaths.  To this date, there are over 9 upgraded health centres in Kigoma, Morogoro and Pwani Region which have benefited through the Bloomberg Philanthropies project.   (This photo is a courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies/Jin Lee).



H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (left), President of the United Republic of Tanzania listens Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations prior to the press conference of the Maternal Health Program in Tanzania funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Second right is Mr. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of the New York City and Ms. Helen Agerup (2nd left), President of H&B Agerup Foundation.  (Photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)




President Kikwete explains the much needed training for non-physician clincians in health facilities throughout the regions in Tanzania.   (Photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)



H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (left), President of the United Republic of Tanzania discusses briefly with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right) about his country's gratitude towards the Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative which resulted in an increase of over 1,000 delivery health facilities in Kigoma, Morogoro and Pwani Regions in Tanzania.  Others in the photo are Ambassador Tuvako Manongi (2nd left), Permanent Representative of the United REpublic of Tanzania to the United Nations and Ms. Helen Agerup (2nd right), President of H&B Agerup Foundation.  (Photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)



United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (right), listens to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg prior to the press conference of the Maternal Health Program in Tanzania funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies held today in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library at the Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.   (Photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)



President Kikwete (left), in a group photo with Mr. Michael Bloomberg (2nd right), New York City Mayor, Mr. Ban Ki-moon (right), United Nations Secretary General and Ms. Helen Agerup (2nd left), President of H&B Agerup Foundation.  (Photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation).


Hotuba ya Rais Kikwete ya mwisho wa mwezi Septemba 2012





HOTUBA YA MHESHIMIWA DKT. JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE, RAIS WA JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA KWA WANANCHI, TAREHE 30 SEPTEMBA, 2012

Utangulizi

Ndugu wananchi;
Kama ilivyo ada, naomba nianze kwa kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu mwingi wa Rehema, kwa kutujaalia uzima na kutuwezesha kukutana tena leo kupitia utaratibu wetu wa kuzungumza nanyi kila mwisho wa mwezi. Leo nina mambo matatu ninayopenda kuzumgumza nanyi.

TATIZO LA MPAKA WA ZIWA NYASA

Ndugu Wananchi;
Jambo la kwanza ni kuhusu Ziwa Nyasa.  Mtakumbuka kuwa katika hotuba yangu ya mwisho wa mwezi uliopita nilielezea kuwa katika kushughulikia utata wa mpaka wetu na nchi ya  Malawi katika Ziwa Nyasa, Tume yetu ya pamoja ingekutana tarehe 10 mpaka 15 Septemba, 2012.  Mkutano huo haukufanyika kwa maombi ya ndugu zetu wa Malawi.  Waliomba mkutano huo uahirishwe mpaka watakapotutaarifu.  Tumekubali, hivyo bado tunasubiri.  Wahenga walisema “subira yavuta heri”.  Lakini kwa upande wetu tunaendelea na matayarisho husika iwapo tutaamua kwenda kwenye Mahakama ya Kimataifa (ICJ) huko Uholanzi. 

Mkutano wa AGRA
Ndugu wananchi;
Jambo la pili ni kuhusu mkutano wa AGRA. Tarehe 26 mpaka 28 Septemba, 2012, katika Hoteli ya Ngurdoto nje kidogo ya Jiji la Arusha kulifanyika Mkutano Mkuu wa Shirika la Mapinduzi ya Kijani Afrika, the Alliance for Green Revolution in Afrika kwa Kiingereza.  Kwa kifupi shirika hilo hujulikana kama AGRA.  Huu ulikuwa mkutano wake wa pili, wa kwanza ulifanyika Accra, Ghana, mwaka 2010.

          Narudia kutoa shukrani nyingi kwa Mheshimiwa Kofi Annan, Katibu Mkuu Mstaafu wa Umoja wa Mataifa na Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi wa AGRA kwa uamuzi wao wa kufanyia mkutano wao hapa nchini.  Wameitendea nchi yetu jambo jema na kuiletea sifa na heshima kubwa. 

Kwa namna ya pekee napenda kuwashukuru sana Mheshimiwa Christopher Chiza, Waziri wa Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika na Mheshimiwa Magesa Mulongo, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Arusha pamoja na viongozi, watumishi na watu wote waliohusika kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri waliyoifanya ya maandalizi ya mkutano huu. Vilevile nawashukuru wananchi wenzetu wa Mkoa wa Arusha kwa kuwapokea vizuri na kuwaangalia vyema wageni wetu.  Mkutano ulikwenda vizuri sana na wageni wameondoka wakiwa wamefurahi na kuridhika.  Nchi yetu imepata heshima kubwa.

Ndugu Wananchi; 
Sina budi kutoa pongezi na shukrani maalum kwa uongozi wa Hoteli ya Ngurdoto kwa kututoa kimasomaso.  Ndugu zetu wa AGRA walitarajia kuwa washiriki wangekuwa 600 ambao wangeenea kwenye ukumbi wa mikutano unaotumika sasa pale hotelini.  Kwa mvuto na heshima ya nchi yetu wakajitokeza watu 1,200, hivyo kukawa na mgogoro wa mahali pa kufanyia mkutano.  Kwa ubunifu wa uongozi wa hoteli mahali palipokidhi mahitaji palipatikana na waandaji na washiriki wakaridhika.  Nawapongeza sana kwa juhudi za ziada walizofanya na kuepusha matatizo ya wingi wa washiriki kugeuka kua kikwazo. 

Ndugu Wananchi;
Shirika la AGRA lilianzishwa mwaka 2006 kwa ushirikiano wa wadau mbalimbali duniani kwa lengo la kuhimiza na kuleta mapinduzi ya kilimo katika nchi za Afrika.  Shabaha kubwa ni kuliwezesha Bara letu kujitosheleza kwa chakula na kuondoa umaskini unaowakabili watu wengi hasa wale waishio vijijini.  Ni ukweli ulio wazi kuwa kilimo ni sekta muhimu sana barani Afrika.  Kati ya asilimia 70 – 80 ya watu katika nchi za Afrika Kusini mwa Jangwa la Sahara wanaishi vijijini na maisha yao yanategemea kilimo.  Sekta ya kilimo ndicho chanzo kikuu cha ajira kwa watu waishio vijijini.  Kilimo hutoa mchango mkubwa kwenye pato la taifa la nchi nyingi na ni chanzo kikubwa cha fedha za kigeni na malighafi za viwandani.  Kutokana na umuhimu wake huo, kilimo kisipostawi vizuri Barani Afrika hali za watu wengi zinakuwa duni, uchumi wa nchi kudorora na maendeleo yanadumaa.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Juhudi nyingi zimekuwa zinafanyika katika nchi zote za Afrika kuboresha kilimo na mafanikio yanaonekana.  Hata hivyo, bado hali ya maendeleo ya kilimo na wakulima hairidhishi.  Kwa ajili hiyo, juhudi zaidi hazina budi kufanyika.  Hayo ndiyo madhumuni ya AGRA na hivyo ndiyo ilikuwa agenda kuu ya Mkutano wa Arusha wa AGRA, yaani “Kuongeza Uwekezaji na Maarifa ya Kisasa katika Kilimo”.
Kilimo chetu kinategemea mvua ambazo siku hizi haziaminiki sana. Lazima tuongeze uwekezaji katika kilimo cha umwagiliaji.  Wakulima wengi wanatumia jembe la mkono ambalo huleta tija ndogo na mavuno kidogo.  Lazima hatua za makusudi zichukuliwe kuwawezesha wakulima kutumia zana bora na za kisasa za kilimo.  Bado wakulima wengi hawana elimu ya kutosha na hasa ya maarifa ya kilimo bora.  Lazima tuongeze maafisa ugani wa kuwafundisha na kuwaelekeza wakulima maarifa bora na ukulima wa kisasa.  Bado matumizi ya pembejeo za kisasa ni madogo.  Hatuna budi kuongeza uwekezaji na uwezeshaji ili wakulima wapate na kutumia mbegu bora, mbolea na madawa ya kuua wadudu waharibifu na kuzuia maradhi ya mazao ya kilimo. Suala la uwekezaji mdogo katika shughuli za utafiti katika nchi za Afrika nalo lilizungumzwa.  Ilisisitizwa kuwa lazima nchi zetu ziongeze uwekezaji katika utafiti kwani mapinduzi ya kilimo yanaanzia na kuletwa na utafiti unao fanyika ndani ya nchi husika.  Hali kadhalika, suala la kuwepo kwa masoko ya uhakika na bei nzuri kwa mazao ya wakulima lilisisitizwa.  Hayo mambo mawili ni kichocheo kikubwa kwa wakulima kuongeza uzalishaji na pia kuwawezesha kupunguza umaskini kupitia kilimo. 


Ndugu wananchi;
Katika mkutano wa Arusha tulikubaliana kwa pamoja kuwa bila kuongeza uwekezaji na matumizi ya maarifa mapya katika kilimo chetu, uzalishaji hautaongezeka Afrika. Tatizo la upungufu wa chakula na njaa litaendelea na watu wengi hasa wa vijijini watabakia kuwa maskini.  Hivi sasa watu wapatao 239 milioni Barani Afrika wanaishi bila ya uhakika wa chakula. Hiki kimekuwa chanzo kimojawapo kikubwa cha utapiamlo na vifo vya akina mama wajawazito na watoto katika nchi za Afrika. Pia, ndiyo maana takriban zaidi ya nusu ya watu wa Afrika Kusini mwa Jangwa la Sahara wana kipato cha chini ya dola mbili kwa siku, hivyo wanaishi kwenye umaskini uliopindukia. 

Hali ya umaskini na njaa kwa watu hawa inaweza kubadilika endapo kilimo chao kitafanyiwa mageuzi makubwa na ya haraka:  endapo watawezeshwa kupata na kutumia zana bora za kilimo; iwapo watawezeshwa kutumia mbegu bora, mbolea na madawa ya mimea yao;  na, endapo wakulima  watapewa elimu ya ukulima wa kisasa, huduma za kifedha na masoko ya uhakika na bei nzuri kwa mazao yao.  Pia, kama miundombinu muhimu ya umwagiliaji, barabara na umeme vitapatikana kwa uhakika na urahisi kwa wakulima vijijini.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Dhima ya Mkutano wa AGRA wa mwaka huu  inahimiza kuongeza uwekezaji na ubunifu wa kuwezesha mambo yote hayo kupatikana ili kuchochea kasi ya mapinduzi ya kilimo na ukuaji wake.  Katika majadiliano, sote tumeelewana kuwa, kimsingi kufanya hayo ni jukumu la Serikali na wakulima Barani Afrika.  Lakini, kwa kutambua ukweli kuwa Serikali zetu ni za nchi maskini na wakulima walio wengi ni wale wa kujikimu na sehemu kubwa hawana elimu ya kutosha, uwezo wa kufanya hayo peke yao ni mdogo.  Kwa ajili hiyo, wajibu wa sekta binafsi katika nchi za Afrika na jumuiya ya kimataifa hususan Serikali za nchi za Afrika na mashirika ya kimataifa ya kiserikali na yasiyokuwa ya kiserikali ulisisitizwa.  Lengo hapa likiwa ni kuongezea nguvu pale ambapo  nguvu za Serikali na wananchi wa Afrika zimeishia.

Maazimio ya Mkutano
Ndugu Wananchi;
Katika mkutano huo wito ulikuwa kwa wabia wetu wa maendeleo kuchukua hatua za makusudi kuongeza misaada kwa maendeleo ya sekta ya kilimo Afrika.  Misaada hiyo imepungua kutoka dola 18 bilioni miaka 20 iliyopita hadi dola 3 bilioni miaka mitatu iliyopita.  Hivi sasa imepanda kidogo na kuwa dola 6 bilioni, pengine kufuatia kuongezeka kwa kelele za baadhi yetu katika majukwaa ya kimataifa.  Pia, ni kutokana na baadhi ya viongozi katika mataifa kuwa na mtazamo tofauti na wenzao waliotangulia kuhusu kilimo.  Tunaamini kabisa mataifa tajiri na mashirika ya kimataifa yanaweza kuongeza zaidi ya kiasi hicho.  Kinachotakiwa ni kuongeza utashi wa kisiasa ambao tunaaza kuuona kama ilivyodhiria katika Mkutano uliopita wa G8 kule Camp David, Marekani mwezi Mei, 2012.  Tunaamini hivyo kwa sababu miaka 20 iliyopita waliweza kutoa zaidi ya ilivyo sasa.  Pia, kuongezeka kwa watu wanaoamini kuwa kufanya hivyo ni sahihi kiuchumi na kibinadamu.  (It makes economic and humanitarian sense).  Afrika ndilo bara pekee lenye asilimia 60 ya ardhi inayofaa kwa kuzalisha chakula duniani ambayo bado haijatumika.  Hivyo mapinduzi ya kilimo yakifanikiwa yataihakikishia dunia chakula cha kutosha kwa watu waliopo sasa na wale bilioni 9 wanaotarajiwa kuwepo mwaka 2050.  Kibinadamu yatawaondolea adha ya njaa na umaskini mamia ya mamilioni ya watu wanaoteseka Barani Afrika. 

Ndugu Wananchi;
Pamoja na kusisitiza wajibu wa mataifa tajiri na mashriika ya kimataifa kuongeza misaada kwa Serikali na wakulima wadogo Afrika, mkutano wa Arusha pia ulitambua nafasi na mchango ambao sekta binafsi inaweza kutoa kwa maendeleo ya kilimo Afrika.  Mkutano ulitoa wito kwa sekta binafsi kujitokeza kuwekeza katika maendeleo ya sekta ya kilimo na kuzitaka Serikali za nchi za Afrika kutengeneza mazingira mazuri yatakayowezesha sekta binafsi kushirikishwa na kushiriki. Ilikuwa jambo la faraja kuona kuwa dhana ya nchi yetu ya kushirikisha sekta binafsi kama ilivyo katika Tamko la Kilimo Kwanza na Mpango wa Kuendeleza Kilimo Katika Ukanda wa Kusini mwa Tanzania (SAGCOT) vimetambuliwa katika Mkutano wa Arusha kuwa ni mfano bora unaoleta matumaini ya kuleta mapinduzi ya kijani yanayokusudiwa kwa kushirikisha Serikali, wafadhili, wakulima wadogo, sekta binafsi na wadau wengine. 

Ndugu Wananchi;
Katika mkutano huo pia, nafasi ya mashirika yasiyokuwa ya kiserikali katika kutoa mchango muhimu wa kuleta mapinduzi ya kilimo Afrika umetambuliwa.  Mashirika kama vile AGRA, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation na Rockefeller Foundation ni miongoni mwa mifano halisi.  Mashirika hayo yamekuwa yanatoa mchango wa namna hiyo katika nchi mbalimbali za Afrika pamoja na hapa kwetu Tanzania.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Shirika la AGRA, kwa mfano, tangu kuanza shughuli zake miaka mitatu iliyopita hapa nchini limechangia shilingi 37.2 bilioni kuendeleza shughuli za kilimo.  Hususan yafuatayo yamefanyika au yanafanyika nchini kwa msaada AGRA. Chini ya Programu ya Mbegu AGRA imesaidia gharama za kusomesha wanasayansi 7 wa Digrii ya Uzamivu (Ph.D) na 8 wa Digrii ya Uzamili (MSc).  AGRA imeiwezesha Idara ya Utafiti na Maendeleo ya Wizara ya Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika kufanya kazi na wakulima katika kutafiti na kuchagua aina za mbegu za mazao zenye uwezo mkubwa wa kuzaa na kustahimili wadudu na magonjwa. AGRA pia imechangia kuidhinishwa kwa aina 3 za mbegu za maharage, 16 za muhogo, 4 za mahindi, 1 ya soya na 2 za viazi vitamu.  AGRA vile vile imesaidia kampuni za wazawa zipatazo 10 kuzalisha mbegu zilizohakikiwa na kuzisambaza kwa wakulima na imewezesha kuwapa mafunzo  ya uendeshaji wa shughuli za uwakala mawakala 2,843 katika wilaya 53.

Kupitia Programu ya Kuboresha Afya ya Udongo AGRA inasaidia miradi saba katika Kanda za Nyanda za Juu Kusini, Kaskazini Mashariki na Kanda ya Ziwa.  Programu hiyo inalenga kuongeza uzalishaji wa wakulima wadogo kwa kuongeza matumizi ya mbolea za viwandani na za asili, kuboresha hifadhi ya udongo na maji ardhini na kuweka mazingira wezeshi ya wakulima kufuata mbinu zinazohusika za kutunza rutuba ya udongo,
AGRA pia inasaidia Programu ya Masoko yenye lengo la kuboresha mfumo wa masoko ya mazao ya wakulima wadogo, kupunguza upotevu wa mazao, kuongeza usindikaji na matumizi  mbadala ya mazao na kuboresha mazingira ya biashara ya vyakula vikuu ndani ya nchi na ukanda wa Afrika Mashariki. Programu hii tayari imesaidia miradi minne ya wakulima wadogo kupunguza upotevu wa mazao kutoka asilimia 30 hadi asilimia 15 na kupunguza gharama za biashara ya mpunga/mchele katika wilaya ya Kilombero.

Misaada mingine ya AGRA ilielekezwa katika Programu ya Kuboresha Sera na Mpango wa Ghala la Chakula (Bread basket) ambao unalenga kuongeza uhakika wa chakula na lishe, kuongeza uzalishaji katika kilimo na kuongeza ushindani wa nchi katika uuzaji wa bidhaa za mazao yaliyosindikwa nje ya nchi.  Mpango huu pia unalenga kuboresha upatikanaji wa masoko kwa kuhimiza kilimo cha mkataba, kuimarisha miundombinu na kuboresha upatikanaji wa pembejeo kwa wakulima.

Ndugu Wananchi; Shirika la Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation nalo linafanya shughuli kadhaa za kuendeleza kilimo nchini ukiacha kuwa ni mmoja wa wawezeshaji wakubwa wa AGRA.  Miongoni mwa shughuli zinazofanywa nchini kwa msaada wa Mfuko huo ni hizi zifuatazo: Kuongeza uwezo wa utafiti katika baioteknolojia na maradhi ya mihogo na mbegu za mahindi zinazostahilimi ukame; kuongeza ubora wa lishe itokanayo na mihogo na viazi vitamu; kuongeza uzalishaji wa mbegu za mahindi yanayostahimili ukame na maharage yanayozaa sana na kustahimili maradhi, na kuboresha afya ya udongo kwa kushirikiana na AGRA. 

Ndugu Wananchi; Mkutano wa AGRA umemalizika kwa mafanikio makubwa. Nafurahi kuwa tumepata fursa ya kukutana na kuzungumza na wabia wetu wa maendeleo ya kilimo.  Wote wametuhakikishia utayari wao wa kuendeleza ushirikiano nasi na hata kuongeza zaidi ya ilivyo sasa.  Wito wangu kwa Watanzania wenzangu ni kujipanga vizuri kutumia fursa zilizotokana na mkutano huo kufanyika hapa nchini.

Miaka 20  ya Mfumo wa Demokrasia ya Vyama Vingi
Ndugu Wananchi;
Jambo la tatu ni kuhusu mfumo wa siasa wa vyama vingi kutimiza miaka ishirini. Mwaka huu nchi yetu imefikisha miaka ishirini tangu ulipoanzishwa Mfumo wa Siasa ya Vyama Vingi nchini, mwaka 1992.  Katika kipindi chote hiki tumeona maendeleo makubwa ya ukomavu wa demokrasia ya vyama vingi unavyozidi kushamiri. Wananchi wa Tanzania wamepata uhuru wa kuanzisha na kujiunga na vyama vya siasa.  Aidha, watu wana uhuru mkubwa zaidi wa kufanya na kushiriki katika shughuli za kisiasa, kufanya maandamano na kuitisha mikutano ya hadhara ya kisiasa, kijamii na mingineyo. Aidha, watu siku hizi wanao uhuru mkubwa wa kutoa maoni yao ama kupitia majukwaa ya mikutano ya siasa au asasi za kiraia ama vyombo vya habari au mitandao ya internet na hata simu za mikononi. 

Utendaji wa Vyama Vya Siasa
Ndugu Wananchi,
Hatua tuliyofikia sasa imetokana na dhamira ya dhati ya Serikali ya Chama cha Mapinduzi ya kuleta mageuzi ya kweli ya kupanua demokrasia nchini na kuendeleza haki za binadamu na haki za msingi za raia wa nchi yetu.  Marekebisho kadha ya Katiba na Sheria yamefanyika kwa ajili hiyo.  Mwaka 1992 mfumo wa vyama vingi ulipoanza kulikuwa na chama kimoja tu cha siasa nacho ni Chama cha Mapinduzi.  Kati ya mwaka huo na mwaka 1995 kulikuwa na vyama 13 vyenye usajili wa kudumu.  Idadi hiyo ya vyama ilibakia hivyo mpaka mwaka 2001.  Ilipofika mwaka 2005 kulikuwa na vyama 18 na mwaka huu 2012 tumefikisha vyama 20 vyenye usajili wa kudumu. Idadi hii ya sasa haijumuishi vyama viwili vya  PONA na TPP ambavyo mwaka 2002 vilifutiwa usajili kwa kushindwa kutimiza masharti yaliyowekwa. 
  
Ndugu Wananchi;
Chini ya mfumo huu mpya, Uchaguzi Mkuu umefanyika mara nne yaani mwaka 1995, 2000, 2005 na 2010.  Katika chaguzi zote hizo, tumeshuhudia ukomavu mkubwa wa kisiasa, kuvumiliana, ustaarabu wa kuheshimiana pamoja na kuwepo tofauti zetu za mitizamo, itikadi na maoni ya kisiasa.  Watanzania walio wengi, hivi sasa wanaelewa vizuri kwamba mfumo huu wa vyama vingi upo kwa ajili ya kupanua haki za kidemokrasia za raia na kuimarisha utawala bora.  Katu haupo  kuvuruga amani na kuwachonganisha wananchi baina yao wenyewe kwa wenyewe au baina yao na Serikali yao au vyombo vya Serikali. 

Pamoja na mafanikio makubwa yaliyopatikana, katika miaka ishirini hii bado zipo changamoto kubwa na ndogo zilizojitokeza.  Baadhi zimepatiwa ufumbuzi na nyingine zinaendelea kushughulikiwa.  Miongoni mwa hayo ni matukio ya uvunjifu wa amani ambayo yameanza kujitokeza kwa kasi katika shughuli za vyama vya siasa katika siku za hivi karibuni. Matukio ya vurugu na hata watu kupoteza maisha yanaelekea kuongezeka.  Japokuwa matukio haya ni machache, lakini yamekuwa na kishindo kikubwa kwani baadhi ya ndugu zetu kadhaa wamepoteza maisha, wengine kupata majeraha ya kudumu  na mali kuharibiwa. 

Ndugu Wananchi;
Siku hizi siyo jambo la ajabu kusikia wafuasi wa chama fulani kufukuzwa au hata kupigwa na kupoteza maisha wanapokwenda kusikiliza mikutano ya hadhara ya Chama kingine kisichokuwa chao.  Jambo hili linastaajabisha kwani mkutano wa hadhara ni wa watu wote si wa wanachama wa Chama kinachofanya huo mkutano peke yao.  Isitoshe shabaha yake ni kuelezea sera za Chama ili kuwashawishi watu wakiunge mkono pamoja na wale ambao ni wanachama wa vyama vingine.  Iweje leo mwanachama wa Chama kingine akihudhuria mkutano huo iwe nongwa na hata kupigwa mpaka apoteze maisha?  Viongozi wenzangu tunataka kuipeleka wapi siasa katika nchi yetu.  Siku hizi taarifa ya malumbano baina ya Polisi na viongozi na wafuasi wa asasi fulani ya kijamii au vyama vya siasa zinaaza kuwa taarifa za kawaida.  Mimi napata hofu na kwa kweli nachelea kwamba huenda vurugu na ubabe vinaweza kugeuka kuwa utamaduni au utaratibu wa kawaida wa kuendesha shughuli za siasa nchini. Hali hiyo inasikitisha sana na kutisha pia. Napenda kuwasihi Watanzania wenzangu na wanasiasa wenzangu kuwa huko tunakoelekea sasa siko, ni kubaya.  Tubadilike ikingali mapema, isije kuwa mazoea yetu.

Ndugu Wananchi; 
Nawaomba sote turejee kwenye misingi mizuri tuliyoanza nayo ya kufanya siasa za kistaarabu.  Tunatofautiana na kukosoana bila kutukanana wala kugombana. Tuendelee   kuvumiliana kwa fofauti zetu za itikadi na mitizamo ya kisiasa bila ya kuchochea chuki baina ya watu na watu au baina ya wafuasi wa vyama tofauti vya siasa au baina ya wananchi na Serikali, au vyombo vya Serikali.  Hayo ni mambo hatari kwa utulivu na ustawi wa nchi yetu. Niwaombe pia viongozi wenzangu na wafuasi wenzangu wa vyama vya siasa tuheshimu sheria za nchi na taratibu za sheria hizo.  Moja ya mambo ambayo yamekuwa yanazua migongano kati ya Polisi na baadhi ya viongozi na wafuasi wa baadhi ya asasi za kijamii na vyama vya siasa inahusu mamlaka ya Polisi kutoa ushauri au hoja pingamizi kwa vikundi vya kijamii au vyama vya siasa kufanya maandamano au mikutano.  Mamlaka hayo yametolewa kwa Polisi kwa nia njema ili kuhakikisha kuwa shughuli za kisiasa zinafanyika katika mazingira ya amani na utulivu bila migongano baina ya makundi au vyama wala bila ya kuathiri shughuli za jamii. 

Ndugu Wananchi;
Mamlaka waliyonayo Polisi hapa nchini hata nchi nyingine duniani iko hivyo hivyo.  Hata hayo mataifa maarufu kidemokrasia duniani hufanya hivyo hivyo.  Hakuna anayefanya mkutano au maandamano bila ya ridhaa ya Polisi.  Aidha, Polisi huelekeza njia za kupita katika maandamano na kuzuia nyingine.  Aidha, huelekeza wapi mikutano ifanyike na wapi isifanyike. Pale wahusika wanapokaidi makubaliano hutokea athari na sote ni mashuhuda wa athari hizo kwa pande zote.   Demokrasia bila ya utaratibu ni fujo.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Madhara yanayosababishwa na matukio haya yangeweza kuepukika endapo taratibu za kushauriana na kuelewana baina ya makundi hayo au vyama vya siasa na Jeshi la Polisi kabla  ya kufanya mikutano na maandamano zingefuatwa. Narudia kuwasihi wanasiasa wenzangu tuutumie na kuheshimu utaratibu wetu huu mzuri uliowekwa kwa mujibu wa sheria na kanuni zetu. Napenda kusisitiza hata hivyo kwamba pale panapotokea malumbano kati ya Polisi na wafuasi wa kikundi cha kijamii au vyama vya siasa au wananchi, Polisi lazima wahakikishe kuwa hawatumii nguvu kupita kiasi. Wao wenyewe wanatambua vyema maana yake.  Wanapofanya kinyume chake na ikathibitika hivyo nao pia huchukuliwa hatua kwa mujibu wa sheria. Haipendezi mbele ya macho na mioyo ya askari wetu lakini lisilobudi hutendwa.  Imeshafanyika hivyo siku za nyuma na imefanyika hivi karibuni kufuatia tukio la kusikitisha la kuuawa marehemu Daudi Mwangosi, aliyekuwa Mwandishi wa Habari wa Channel 10 kule Nyololo, Mufindi.  Jambo la msingi ninalotaka kusisitiza ni Polisi na kutendewa haki.  Asiwajibishwe asiye husika. 

Hitimisho
Ndugu wananchi,
Nchi yetu imekuwa na amani kwa takriban miongo mitano sasa.  Ni kisiwa cha amani.  Ukweli huu tunauona hapa ndani na wenzetu pia wanaukubali. Wajibu wetu ni kuhakikisha kwamba tunaidumisha amani hii.  Msingi mkubwa wa kuhakikisha tunafanya hivyo ni kuheshimu misingi yetu ya Katiba, kuepuka vitendo vya uvunjifu wa sheria na tuendelee kuheshimiana na kuvumiliana kwa tofauti zetu. Natoa wito kwa viongozi na wananchi wenzangu tuione tunu hii ya amani tuliyonayo kuwa ni ya kutunzwa kama mboni ya macho yetu.  Tuitunze kwa hali na mali na siyo ya kuibomoa.  Wako wenzetu wanaitafuta hawaipati.  Naomba tuelewe pia kwamba amani ikitupotea si rahisi kuipata.  Na hata ikirudi madhara yake mtaishi nayo miaka mingi au hata kudumu daima.  Ni rahisi sana kubomoa nyumba iliyojengwa kwa siku nyingi kwa uzembe wa siku moja tu, lakini kuijenga upya itachukua muda. 

Watanzania wenzangu hatuna sababu ya kushabikia kauli na matendo ya wenzetu wachache ambao hawaoni umuhimu wa kuendelea kuienzi tunu ya amani tuliyonayo.  Tusione fahari kufanya vitendo vya uvunjaji amani, kutokuheshimu sheria na taratibu tulizojiwekea. Viongozi tunao wajibu wa kuwaongoza watu wanaotuamini na kutusikiliza kwa kutenda mema, kwani hiyo ndiyo dhamana ya uongozi. Tusiwaongoze wafuasi wetu kwenye njia ambazo zitasababisha maangamizi yao na ya wengine wasiohusika. 
Tunayo kazi kubwa ya kulilea taifa letu kuelekea kwenye umoja zaidi, mshikamano zaidi, kupendana zaidi, kuaminiana zaidi na kuheshimiana zaidi.  Tofauti zetu ndiyo sababu na nguzo yetu ya kutaka kushikamana.  Mimi naamini hili ni jambo linalowezekana kama tutasikilizana na kuelewana. Tuzichukue changamoto tulizonazo kama ndiyo daraja la kutuvusha kwenda kwenye ukomavu zaidi wa kidemokrasia.

Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!

Asanteni Sana Kwa Kunisikiliza.
   
         


Viongozi wa Tume ya Mipango na Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje wakutana jijini Dar



Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa John Haule (aliesimama) akiwakaribisha Wajumbe kutoka Ofisi ya Rais, Tume ya Mipango kwa ajili ya kuasilisha mada kuhusu Mfumo wa Utekelezaji, Ufuatiliaji na Tathmini ya Mipango ya Maendeleo ya Taifa leo tarehe 02 Oktoba 2012.


Katibu Mtendaji wa Ofisi ya Rais, Tume ya Mipango, Dkt. Philip Mpango (aliesimama) akiwasilisha mada katika mkutano wa viongozi wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa kuhusu Mfumo wa Utekelezaji, Ufuatiliaji na Tathmini ya Mipango ya Maendeleo ya Taifa katika ukumbi wa mikutano wa Wizara hiyo leo tarehe 02 Oktoba 2012.




Naibu Katibu Mtendaji wa Ofisi ya Rais, Tume ya Mipango Mhandisi Hapiness Mgalula (Miundombinu na Huduma) aliyesimama kushoto akijitambulisha katika mkutano wa Mfumo wa Utekelezaji, Ufuatiliaji na Tathmini ya Mipango ya Maendeleo ya Taifa katika ukumbi wa mikutano wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa leo tarehe 02 Oktoba 2012.



Monday, October 1, 2012

Video: Hon. Membe's Speech at the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly


Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation addresses the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.


Video of the Speech; click below:








Sunday, September 30, 2012

The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meet for their Annual Meeting in New York


H.E. Kamalesh Sharma (right), Commonwealth Secretary General opens Annual Meeting of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers.  Left is Hon. Bob Carr, Australian Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the meeting.

 
The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting in Session.  

 
High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe during the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting.


H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (2nd left), together with various Foreign Ministers during the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting.  Tanzania delegation was led by Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (not in the photo), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

 
H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (left), exchanging views with one of the pertinent Commonwealth colleagues about the Strategic Plan prepared by the Secretariat and the new Commonwealth Charter.

 
High Commissioner of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (right) in brief discussion with Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth about the next CHOGM meeting scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2013.



 The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meet for their Annual Meeting in New York

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO
September 29, 2012

The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers yesterday met in New York for their annual meeting to deliberate on a number of issues pertaining to the work of organisation.
The meeting chaired by the Australian Foreign Minister, Robert Carr, reviewed progress made since last October 2011 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Western Australia.
Most significantly, the meeting adopted a “Charter of the Commonwealth” and discussed the organisation’s Strategic Plans for the next few years.
Tanzania delegation was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) and included the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ambassador Peter Kallaghe.
In his opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, thanked member countries for their active participation in the process leading to the adoption of the Charter.
The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the new Strategic Plan Brief which resulted from the 38th meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held on September 28, 2012 in New York, USA. Tanzania is a member of CMAG, a key organ of the Commonwealth.
Commenting on the Strategic Plan, Foreign Ministers reminded members of the need to ensure the relevance of the Commonwealth and to protect the organisation’s core value and principles.
Indeed, views were raised on the need to improve the Strategic Plan prepared by the Secretariat to align it with objectives of the new Commonwealth Charter in promoting democracy and development.
The meeting also received a report on preparations for the next CHOGM meeting scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2013.


End.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

DailyNews Online Edition - Dar for preventive diplomacy

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Tanzania Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.


Please click on the link below to read article on Daily News - Tanzania:







Africa faces food insecurity, slowing development, Ministers warn UN General Assembly


Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation gives his Statement before the General Debate at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday in New York, USA.  Hon. Membe led the Tanzania delegation on behalf of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.  (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)

 

28 September 2012 – A range of African ministers took to the podium of the United Nations General Assembly today to highlight the precarious situation arising from food insecurity and the slow-down in development due to the global economic crisis.
 
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Bernard Kamillius Membe, said food insecurity had
deteriorated and the vulnerability of many developing countries increased since his nation’s President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete voiced serious concern over the issue at the UN a year ago.
 
“We must work collectively to address food insecurity,” he told the 67th Assembly on the fourth day of its annual General Debate at UN Headquarters in New York. “We must increase food production and productivity on a sustainable basis, strengthen agricultural systems and establish early warning mechanisms as we also must develop effective responses to calamities such as those in the horn of Africa and the Sahel region.”
 
Mr. Membe noted that the world's economy still remains fragile after the financial crisis of 2008, compounding the challenges of sustainable development. “This situation is further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, population growth, poverty, unemployment, hunger, diseases, growing economic inequalities within and among countries as well as lack of rule of law and violations of human rights,” he said.
 
“I know for sure that the global economic crisis is far from over,” he said. “Many reports are predicting the re-occurrence of the crisis which will certainly affect the flow of aid, trade, FDIs (foreign direct investment) and remittances to developing countries.”
 
He also reiterated the African demand for expansion of the 15-meber Security Council to include two permanent members from the continent with veto powers.
 
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Djibrill Yipènè Bassolé, said his country had suffered a food crisis this year because of a bad rainy season. “The cereal shortage has been exacerbated by a massive influx of tens of thousands of refuges from Mali, sometimes accompanied by their cattle,” he said.
 
Instability in northern Mali, where Islamic militants have seized control, imposing strict Sharia law, has caused more than 260,000 refugees to flee to neighbouring countries, further straining the already fragile social and economic infrastructure.
 
“The restoration of a stable and lasting peace in Mali will require a global approach combining political dialogue and the use of force essentially aimed at neutralizing transnational extremist groups whose presence in northern Mali is sure to deliver an irreparable blow to efforts for better governance and social and economic development,” he said.
 
The Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Patrice Emery Trovoada, lamented the inability of the United Nations to confront the situation in Mali – where the Islamic militants are also reported to have destroyed World Heritage religious sites – as well as the crisis in Syria, where over 18,000 people have been killed since an anti-government uprising erupted 18 months ago.
 
“Sadly our organization continues to suffer from the roadblocks that prevent urgent decisions that cannot be postponed from being taken and that undermine the forum’s credibility,” he said.
 
He added, “We need no further evidence of the urgency for in-depth reforms of our institution, primarily the Security Council, to put an end to the horrific images of children that are symbols of purity and innocence who are killed daily in Syria, to prevent the destruction of the world historic and cultural heritage by gangs of destructive criminals in Mali and Afghanistan and to prevent coups d’état or obvious attempts to destabilize states and democratic Governments.”
 
Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Edouard Niankoye, addressing the General Debate on Thursday, endorsed the Malian Government’s request to the Security Council for the deployment of an international force to restore the country’s territorial integrity.
“In neighbouring Mali, where terrorist and rebel groups have occupied the north for several months, the reinforcement of democratic institutions and the restoration of territorial integrity constitute major challenges that must be taken up,” he told the Assembly.
 
Also speaking in the General Assembly on Thursday, Burundi’s First Vice President, Therence Sinunguruza, voiced his country’s hope that the Malian Government will find a rapid solution to the crisis in its north.
 
Burundi “is equally confident that Mali will soon renew the democratic process to establish institution stemming from free and transparent elections,” he said, referring to the March 2012 military coup when soldiers took control of the West African country.
 
The African ministers are among scores of world leaders and other high-level officials presenting their views and comments on issues of individual national and international relevance at the Assembly’s General Debate, which ends on 1 October.







More congratulations to Hon. Membe



Mrs. Dorcas Membe in a photo together with Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation after he gave his Statement on behalf of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete during the General Debate at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday in New York, USA. 


H.E. Ambassador Tuvako Manongi (left), Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations in a photo with Hon. Membe (center) and Mrs. Dorcas Membe.


Hon. Membe and Mrs. Dorcas Membe in a photo outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.

  
Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (center) in a photo with Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (right), Senior Advisor to President Kikwete (Diplomatic Affairs) and Mrs. Dorcas Membe.


Mr. Togolani Mavura (left), Private Assistant to Hon. Membe congratulates his boss, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation for making Tanzania proud for his grandiose speech at the United Nations General Assembly.  Hon. Membe led the Tanzania delegation on behalf of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. 


Mrs. Maura Mwingira (left), Minister Plenipotentiary at the Tanzania Mission to the United Nations also congratulated Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) for the Statement  he delivered yesterday before UN 67th Session of the General Assembly.

Ms. Tagie Daisy Mwakawago, Communication Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation took little time off behind the camera and reporting to congratulate Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) after he delivered his Statement at the UN General Assembly.  (photo by Mr. Rainman)


Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UN briefs Hon. Membe (left) about Tanzania Mission.  Center is H.E. Ambassador Tuvako Manongi, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations.  


Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (5th left), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in a group photo with home-based staff members at the Tanzania Mission to United Nations in New York, together with Ms. Annette Mmari (2nd left), Executive Secretary to the Minister and Ms. Ramla Khamis (left), Second Secretary in the Department of Multilateral Cooperatin in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.


All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago and Mr. Rainman