Ghana President Mills dies, VP takes over

(Reuters) - Ghana's President John Atta Mills, who won international praise for presiding over a stable model democracy in Africa, died suddenly on Tuesday and his vice-president was quickly sworn in to replace him at the helm of the oil, gold and cocoa producer.

Mills had celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday and his unexpected death came months before he was due to stand for re-election in December as head of the world's No. 2 cocoa grower, which is also a major African gold producer.

"It is with a heavy heart ... that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana," the president's office said. It added that Mills had died a few hours after being taken ill, but gave no further details.

A presidential aide, who asked not to be named, said the president had complained of pains on Monday evening and had died early on Tuesday afternoon when his condition worsened.

In line with Ghana's constitution, Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, who is 53, took the oath of office as head of state before a somber parliament hours after the announcement of Mills' death. Mahama will serve as caretaker president until the elections at the end of the year.

Analysts hailed this as a sign that the country's political institutions were solid and working smoothly.

"With Ghana's reputation for stability, having seen two peaceful transitions in government following elections in 2000 and 2008, the strength of Ghana's institutions are likely to see the country in good stead," said Razia Khan, head of Africa research at Standard Chartered.

"As such, market volatility related to near-term uncertainty is likely to be limited," she added.

Amid swirling rumors about his ill health, Mills had returned from medical checks in the United States a few weeks ago. Some reports by local newspapers speculated he had throat cancer, other reports mentioned a sinus-related affliction.

Ghana's election commission said December's presidential and parliamentary elections would go ahead as planned.

OBAMA PAYS TRIBUTE

Some analysts questioned whether Mills' death might open up a presidential candidacy battle inside the ruling National Democratic Congress party before the elections. The party will hold an emergency congress to elect a new presidential candidate to contest the vote.

"Elections will have to be held soon and one does not know what the new president will decide, in particular in terms of resource nationalism. Elections are always a factor of instability in Africa," said Martin Bauwens, managing director of Johannesburg-based mine consultancy MJB Consulting.

Producers in Africa's second largest gold producer have raised concerns about government moves to raise the corporate mining tax to 35 percent from 25 percent and to introduce a 10 percent windfall tax as well.

Ghana's state and private radio and TV channels suspended regular programming and played patriotic songs between messages of condolence, urging Ghanaians to unite in a time of grief.

U.S. President Barack Obama, who had received Mills in the Oval Office in March and praised him and his country as "a good-news story" in Africa, also sent his condolences.

"He helped promote economic growth in Ghana in the midst of challenging global circumstances and strengthened Ghana's strong tradition of democracy ... He was also a strong advocate for human rights and for the fair treatment of all Ghanaians," Obama said in a statement from the White House.

Trained as a lawyer and taxation expert, Mills had overseen Ghana's emergence as one of Africa's newest oil producers two years ago, earning respect at home and abroad for his economic policies and commitment to democracy and good governance.

Ghana has seen democratic elections decide its leadership no fewer than four times since the last military coup in 1981, a rare feat in a region where power is still just as often determined by the bullet as by the ballot.

The new caretaker president, Mahama, has just published a book entitled "My First Coup d'Etat: And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa", a memoir of his early years in the often turbulent events that followed Ghana's 1957 independence from Britain.

Source:  www.reuters.com

DICOTA 2012 Convention

About the Convention

The DICOTA 2012 Convention – themed “Tanzania’s Diaspora - Investment, Citizenship and Relationship” – this year will be held at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois 60631 U.S.A. from 30th August to 2nd September, 2012.

The convention brings together members of the Tanzanian Diaspora in the United States of America, Tanzanian private sector and government officials; key decision makers from Tanzania and U.S. businesses; financial institutions, charitable organizations and international organizations with vested interest in investment and social and economic growth in the country. The conference presents attendees with the latest trade and investment opportunities in all sectors of the economy, while providing a forum for potential partnership formations through many networking opportunities.

Venue: Chicago Marriott O'Hare Hotel
8535 West Higgin Road
Chicago, Illinois 60631, USA.
Dates: August 30 - September 2, 2012 

For more information, click:  http://www.dicotaus.org/

Kumradhi Waziri Membe

Imeandikwa na Mhariri, Gazeti la Mwananchi (Tarehe 23 Julai, 2012) Katika gazeti la tarehe 12/01/2011 tulichapisha habari yenye kichwa. Membe: Polisi walikiuka Maadili (Mabalozi waibana Serikali, wahoji polisi kutumia risasi za moto). Habari hiyo ambayo ilifuatia tukio la vifo vya watu watatu na majeruhi kadhaa vilivyotokea mjini Arusha wakati polisi walipokabiliana na waandamanaji wa Chadema,  ilidai kwamba Waziri Membe alililaumu jeshi la polisi kwa kukiuka maadili, kuvuka mipaka yake na kusababisha mauaji hayo ambayo yalitia doa Tanzania. Aidha habari hiyo iliendelea kudai kwamba mabalozi wa nchi mbalimbali walimbana wakitaka tamko la Serikali juu ya tukio hilo. Baada ya uchunguzi wa kina, gazeti hili limebaini kuwa, Waziri Membe hakusema maneno hayo na wala hapakuwa na mvutano wala madai yeyote ya Mabalozi juu ya jambo hilo. Kutokana na hayo, tunachukua fursa hii kumwomba radhi Waziri Membe, Jeshi la Polisi, Serikali, Mabalozi wote na Wananchi kwa ujumla. Aidha tunapenda kumhakikishia Waziri Membe na wasomaji wote kwa ujumla kwamba habari hii iliandikwa kwa bahati mbaya na kwamba gazeti hili litaendelea kufanya kazi yake kwa kufuata misingi ya Taaluma ya uandishi wa habari, Maadili na sheria za nchi bila kumwonea mtu au kushinikizwa na mtu yoyote kwa maslahi binafsi.

Kusoma maoni:   http://mwananchi.co.tz/habari/4-habari-za-kitaifa/24995-kumradhi-waziri-membe 

WAZIRI MEMBE ATOA MKONO WA POLE

Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi

Dk.Ali Mohamed Shein, akisalimiana na Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na

Ushirikiano wa Kimatifa, Mhe. Benard K. Membe (MB).  Waziri Membe alifika Ikulu Mjini Zanzibar

jana, kwa madhumuni ya kutoa mkono wa pole kwa Rais kutokana na Ajali ya

Meli ya Mv Skagit ya Kampuni ya Seagul, na kusababisha wananchi kupoteza

Roho zao.  [Picha na Ramadhan Othman,Ikulu Zanzibar.]

 

Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi,
Dk.Ali Mohamed Shein, akiwa katika mazungumzo na Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na
Ushirikiano wa Kimatifa, Mhe. Benard K. Membe (Mb), baada ya Waziri Membe kufika
Ikulu Mjini Zanzibar jana.  Waziri Membe alimtembelea Mhe. Rais Shein kwa madhumuni ya kutoa mkono wa pole kutokana na Ajali ya Meli ya Mv Skagit ya Kampuni ya Seagul.  [Picha na Ramadhan Othman,Ikulu Zanzibar.]

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar, Balozi Seif Ali Idd akiwa katika mazungumzo na Mhe. Waziri Bernard K. Membe (MB), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.  Mhe. Membe alikuwa Mjini Zanzibar kumpa salamu za pole Balozi Idd kutokana na ajali ya Meli ya MV Skagit iliyotokea wiki iliyopita.  [Picha na Ramadhan Othman,Ikulu Zanzibar.]

Ziara ya Mhe. Membe nchini China

Mhe. Membe akiangalia picha sanifu ya kijiji cha Kiafrika muda mfupi kabla ya kuzindua ujenzi wake.

Mhe. Membe akizindua ujenzi wa Kijiji cha Kiafrika kitakachojengwa na Bw. Lee kwa madhumuni ya kukuza utamaduni na sanaa ya Afrika nchini China. Bw. Lee na mkewe wameishi Tanzania kwa miaka mingi na wameamua kuuenzi utamaduni wa kitanzania na kiafrika ikiwa ni shukrani yao na upendo wao kwa bara la Afrika.

Waziri Membe akifungua maonyesho ya muda ya sanaa za kitanzania jijini Beijing

Waziri Membe akisaini Kitabu cha Wageni, nyuma yake kutoka kulia ni Mmiliki wa Kituo Bw. Lee, Mhe. Balozi Philip Marmo na Mama Lee, Mke wa Mmiliki wa Kijiji cha Kiafrika.

Joint Press Release between President Kikwete and President Barroso

 

EU, Tanzania leaders pledge more cooperation, dialogue

PRESIDENT of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso today held talks at the State House in Dar es Salaam with H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete President of the United Republic of Tanzania in which they both expressed commitment to increase cooperation and dialogue between the two sides. The Commissioner for Development of the European Commission, Andris Piebalgs and EU officials from Headquarters in Brussels accompanied President Barroso and met with Senior Ministers of the Government and  EU Heads of Mission.

The visit is meant to reinforce the high-level political dialogue and to strengthen economic cooperation between Tanzania and the European Union. Six new development programmes were launched to improve access to water and sanitation; strengthen the road transport sector and rural road infrastructure; good governance and social accountability; as well as capacity support for the Government in the area of programme management, policy dialogue and broader donor coordination.

President Barroso stated: "Tanzania has become one of the EU's main partners in Africa, and is also playing an increasingly important role in the stability and the inclusive and sustainable economic growth of the whole region. We now want to deepen our regular political dialogue with Tanzania and further increase our cooperation in areas like energy, anti-piracy, counter-terrorism or migration; issues which are of concern both for Africa and the European Union."

Noting the considerable prospects for economic transformation in Tanzania, he added: "I am also pleased to further increase our development cooperation by launching new programmes that will encourage inclusive and sustainable growth and help us to make even more of a difference in the fight against poverty."

During the visit, six new financing agreements were signed, worth a total of Euro 126.5 million. This new support will help to rehabilitate more than 200 km of roads and provide access to drinking water for 500,000 people; improved sanitation infrastructure and services for some 140,000 inhabitants; strengthen democratisation and good governance.

The signature of the East African Community (EAC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union is also high on the agenda of the discussions as Tanzania's commitment will be instrumental to reaching an agreement soon.

On his part, President Kikwete expressed his appreciation of the unprecedented historical socio-political and economic cooperation between European Union and Tanzania; and added “the EU is one of our key Development Partners both in terms of magnitude of financial support and commitment to our development initiatives”. Since 1975, Tanzania has benefited significantly from grant aid from the EU of about Euro 1.8 billion (TZS 3.8 trillion).

Going forward, President Kikwete commended the EU’s decision to consider using our national development strategies and Plans to develop future financing programmes rather than developing a parallel separate strategy as it has been the case in the past.  He added “this is a commendable decision and would like to once again thank you for recognizing that our development strategy documents are sound and could be relied upon”. He pointed out great challenge on addressing supply-side constraints which are inhibiting achievement of significant poverty reduction, especially in rural areas where majority of population live.  Therefore, he requested, during the programming of the 11^th EDF, the European Commission to consider road transport sub-sector, rural infrastructure and General Budget Support as focal sectors in order to assist the Government to address these challenges. 

President Kikwete expressed his Government’s commitment to strengthen unprecedented historical cooperation between Tanzania and the EU and said he looked forward to working together towards this end. 

BACKGROUND

The first Financing Agreement that was signed at the occasion of the visit of President Barroso and Commissioner Piebalgs, amounting to €45 million is for the support of improvement of road transport network in Tanzania. With a specific objective of supporting priorities specified in the Transport Sector Investment Programme, focusing on the road maintenance with particular emphasis on rural road sub-sector and effectively promoting the dialogue on maintenance related strategy and policy with a view to progressive coverage of the maintenance needs.  The second Financing Agreement under MDG Initiative, worth €51.51 million, is for Water Programmes in the towns of Lindi, Sumbawanga and Kigoma.  The third Financing Agreement, amounting to €22 million, is for support to improvement of rural roads with the objective to support national decentralisation strategy in improving connectivity and accessibility to markets and service facilities by removing bottlenecks on selected local roads in three regions.   The fourth Financing Agreement amounting to €3 million is for programme to support Non-State Actors in Zanzibar with the overall objective to strengthen democratisation and good governance and support civil society initiatives on accountability, participatory development and policy advocacy.  The fifth Financing Agreement, worth €2.5 million, is for programme to support National Authorising Office for managing EU portfolio in the country.  While the last Financing Agreement worth €2.5 million, is for Technical Cooperation Facility aimed at providing a flexible instrument for capacity development and policy and expert advice to strengthen EU programmes implementation and formulation, policy dialogue and broader donor coordination

Source:  http://www.issamichuzi.blogspot.com/ 

Rais Kikwete ampokea Mhe. Barroso, Rais wa Kamisheni ya Umoja wa Ulaya (EU)

Mhe. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania akimkaribisha Mhe. Jose Manuel Barroso, Rais wa Kamisheni ya Umoja wa Ulaya (EU) mara baada ya kuwasili Ikulu leo tarehe 21 Julai, 2012.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete akiwa katika mazungumzo na Mhe. Barroso mara bada ya kumpokea Ikulu leo.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete na Mhe. Barroso wakiwashuhudia Mhe. Dkt. William Mgimwa, Waziri wa Fedha wa Tanzania na Bw. Andris Piebalgs, Kamishna wa Maendeleo wa Umoja wa Ulaya wakisaini mikataba ya  ushirikiano katika sekta mbalimbali baina ya Tanzania na Umoja huo,  Ikulu jijini Dar es Salaam tarehe 21 Julai, 2012.

Mhe. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (Mb.), Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa akiwa pamoja na Bw. Ramadhan Kijjah (wa kwanza kulia), Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Fedha na mjumbe kutoka Wizara hiyo wakati mikataba ya ushirikiano baina ya Tanzania na Umoja wa Ulaya ikisainiwa Ikulu, Dar es Salaam leo.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete akifafanua jambo kwa Mhe. Barroso mara baada ya mazungumzo yao Ikulu leo.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Dkt. Mgimwa, Bw. Kijjah, Balozi Irene Kasyanju, Balozi Dorah Msechu na wadau wengine kutoka Serikalini mara baada ya kusaini mikataba na Umoja wa Ulaya, Ikulu leo. Picha na Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.

Rais wa Kamisheni ya Umoja wa Ulaya awasili nchini

Mhe. Dkt. William Mgimwa (Mb.), Waziri wa Fedha, akisalimiana na Mhe. Jose Manuel Barroso, Rais wa Kamisheni ya Umoja wa Ulaya mara baada ya rais huyo na ujumbe wake kuwasili nchini jana kwa ziara ya kikazi ya siku tatu. Kushoto kwa Mhe. Mgimwa ni Mhe. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (Mb), Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.

 

Mhe. Dkt. Mgimwa akiwa katika mazungumzo na Mhe. Barroso mara baada ya kumpokea katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataiafa wa Julius Nyerere, Dar es Salaam jana.

 

 

Mhe. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (Mb.), Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushrikiano wa Kimataifa akifafanua jambo kwa Bw. Andris Piebalgs ambaye ni mmoja wa wajumbe waliofutana na Mhe. Barroso hapa nchini.

 

Balozi Dora Msechu (kushoto), Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ulaya na Amerika, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa akiwa katika mazungumzo na mmoja wa wajumbe waliofuatana na Mhe. Barroso hapa nchini.

 

 

 

Rais wa Kamisheni ya Umoja wa Ulaya (EU), Mhe. José Manuel Barroso akifuatana na Kamishina wa Maendeleo wa Umoja huo, Bw Andris Piebalgs, aliwasili nchini jana tarehe 20 Julai, 2012 kwa ziara ya kikazi ya siku tatu yenye lengo la kuimarisha ushirikiano katika masuala ya uchumi na siasa baina ya Tanzania na Umoja huo.

Mara baada ya kuwasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Julius Nyerere, Mhe. Barroso alipokelewa na Mwenyeji wake Mhe. Dkt. William Mgimwa (Mb), Waziri wa Fedha, aliyekuwa amefuatana na Mhe. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (Mb), Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa pamoja na Balozi Dora Msechu, Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ulaya na Amerika katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.

Aidha, akiwa nchini, Mhe. Barroso ataonana kwa mazungumzo na Mhe. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania tarehe 21 Julai, 2012 Ikulu, Dar es Salaam.

Pia, wakati wa ziara hiyo Mikataba sita ya misaada ya kifedha yenye thamani ya Euro milioni 126.5 kutoka Umoja huo itasainiwa pamoja na miradi mipya sita ya maendeleo kuzinduliwa ili kuwezesha upatikanaji wa maji safi, kuimarisha sekta ya usafiri wa barabara na miundombinu ya barabara za vijijini pamoja na kuimarisha masuala ya utawala bora na uwajibikaji.

Mhe. Barroso na ujumbe wake pia watatembelea miradi mbalimbali inayofadhiliwa na Umoja wa Ulaya hapa nchini ikiwemo Hospitali ya CCBRT ya jijini Dar es Salaam na miradi mingine ya maji iliyopo mkoani Mbeya.

Mhe. Barroso na ujumbe wake wataondoka nchini tarehe 22 Julai, 2012 kuelekea Brussels, Ubelgiji.

Hon. Membe's speech at the FOCAC

REMARKS BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, HON. BERNARD K. MEMBE (MP)

ON THE 5TH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON THE FORUM FOR CHINA AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC), 19TH JULY, 2012 BEIJING, CHINA

Co-Chairs of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa

Co-operation, Honourable Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister of Peoples Republic

of China and Representative of Foreign Minister of Arab Republic of Egypt

Honorable Ministers,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me join others who spoke before me to thank the Government and people of the Great Republic of China for the warm hospitality which has been extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in this Beautiful city of Beijing.

I also join those who have spoken before me in hailing the renewed strategic partnership between China and Africa. It is indeed, a new milestone in a long history of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa. I have no doubt in my mind that the outcome of our meeting today paves way for us to build on past achievement and open up new prospects for the new type of China-Africa relations in different areas ranging from political, international, economic, development and cultural affairs.

Further, we are gratified to note that China has fulfilled the commitments contained in the measures to strengthen China-Africa Cooperation announced by Premier Wenjiabao in November 2009 in Sharm El Sheikh.  Such is a gesture of true friendship, partnership and a good intention that China has towards Africa. The implementation of those measures have brought vibrancy to the economic relations between China and Africa. Tanzania joins others African countries in reassuring China of our unwavering support, confidence and commitment towards China.

Our trade volumes have doubled from US$106.8 billion in 2008 to US$166.3 billion last year. A number of African countries have achieved significant increases in their trade exchanges with China, mainly because of China's commitment to open its market to African countries and their decision to phase in, under the South-South cooperation framework where African products have enjoyed zero tarrif treatment. Similar remakable success stories can be told in other areas of Investment, infrastructure development, ICT and many more.

The increase of trade and investment from China has also facilitated our people to people relations and social interactions. The Chinese community has expanded significantly in Africa and have well been integrated with the locals. We believe that it is important to transform further our relations from goverment to goverment to facilitate more exchanges of our people and private sectors, to cement further our relations and for its sustainability.

Co-Chairs,

It is our wish to see greater diversification to include value added products. To achieve  this, we would welcome additional investment by Chinese companies to raise Africa's productive capacity through addressing supplyside constraints, building of capacity in beneficiation, value-addition, manufacturing capacity, transfer of technology and investment in key enablers such as energy, transport infrastructure as well as information and information technology.

Co-Chairs, Ladies and Gentlemen,

At this juncture let me use this opportunity to express the gratitude of people of Tanzania to the People's Republic of China for their invaluable support in the form of grants and soft loans which has enabled us to undertake socioeconomic development projects for the wellbeing of our people. Indeed, China's support has always been from the heart to the heart!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

If there is anyone out there who still doubts the China-Africa partnership or if there is anyone who is envious of this partnership, or who is trying to break this cooperation, here is your advice: Dont waste you time. If anything, this partnership will be promoted and sustained.

We don’t need anybody to lecture us on who should be our best partner. We know who the best partner is.

Some countries advise their business communities on where to go and where not to go in Africa. They warn them not to go to countries infected with Malaria, drought, floods and civil war. CHINA DOES NOT. To the contrary, the Chinese can reach any country regardless of any problems.

Some countries put strict and difficult conditionality if we want to access development capital. CHINA DOES NOT. On the contrary, they provide, concessional loans and low interest rates. Indeed, they are, our best friends.

And Last but not least,I thank the senior officials for a job well-done to prepare the Beijing Declaration and the Beijing Action Plan (2012 – 2015) indeed they have simplified our work here today.

I thank you

Updates kuhusu Meli iliyozama Zanzibar

Maiti walioopolewa katika ajali ya meli sasa wamefikia 65. Juhudi za kutafuta maiti wengine zinaendelea katika eneo karibu na Kisiwa cha Chumbe ambapo meli ijulikanayo kama MV Skagit ilizama.

Aidha, katika ajali hiyo, kuna mtalii mmoja ambaye amefariki pamoja na watalii 11 ambao waliokolewa katika ajali hiyo kutoka nchi za Uholanzi, Ubelgiji, Marekani pamoja na Ujerumani.

Joint Communique between Tanzania and Liberia

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE

STATE VISIT TO THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

BY H.E. ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, PRESIDENT OF THE

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, 19^TH JULY, 2012

1.         At the invitation of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia paid a three-day State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania from 17^th to 19^th July, 2012.  H.E. President Sirleaf was accompanied by a high powered delegation of the Government of the Republic of Liberia.

2.         Upon arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was received by her host, H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Honourable Ministers as well as other senior officials of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

3.         The three-day visit was an opportunity for enhancing and strengthening the brotherly relations that so happily exist between the Governments and peoples of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.

4.         While in the country, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf held official talks with her host, President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.  During their talks, the two Presidents expressed their satisfaction on the excellent fraternal relations that so happily exist between the Governments and peoples of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.  In that connection, they expressed their hope that the visit of the Liberian President would further enhance and consolidate these relations.

5.         The two Presidents briefed each other on the political and economic situation prevailing in their two respective countries and expressed their satisfaction on the progress made in these areas.  In that regard, they underscored the need to explore areas of socio-economic cooperation.  Tanzania expressed its desire to learn from the Liberian experience in iron ore production and the management of the rubber industry.   For its part, Liberia indicated its wish to apply lessons learned from Tanzania’s experience and success for the revitalization of Liberia’s coffee program and fishing industry.

6.         Recognizing the importance of peace and stability in the African continent, the two Presidents exchanged views on the situation obtaining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea Bissau, Mali and Somalia.  In that regard, the two Presidents undertook to continue working together with a view to finding lasting solutions to the on-going crisis in the respective countries.

7.         On 18^th July, 2012,   H.E. President Sirleaf launched the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) offices in Dar es Salaam and participated in an interactive discussion on “The Role of Women in African Development” at the University of Dar es Salaam.  On 19^th July, 2012 while in Arusha, she made a tour of the Africa Technical Research Centre.  She also made a tour of the A to Z Textile Mills Limited which manufactures treated mosquito bed nets.

8.         At the conclusion of her State Visit, H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed her gratitude to the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to her and her delegation during the visit.

9.         President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf extended an invitation to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete to visit Liberia at his convenient time.  The invitation was accepted with pleasure and the exact dates shall be communicated through the diplomatic channels.

10.       H.E. President Sirleaf and her entourage departed Tanzania for a return journey  to Liberia on 19^th July, 2012 .

ISSUED AT ARUSHA, 19^TH JULY, 2012

Liberian President ends her official visit in Tanzania

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete shakes hands with his counterpart, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia after the Joint Communique was read by Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (right), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP), reads a Joint Communique between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.

President Sirleaf says goodbye to traditional dance groups at the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Aursha today.  President Sirleaf ended her two days official visit in the country.

 President Sirleaf waves at crowd that had garthered at the airport, prior to say goodbye to President Kikwete and the First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete.

  

President Kikwete expressing something to Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (left) and to Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo (center).  Other in the photo is the First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete (right).

Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo joins the traditional dancers, together with Ms. Helen and Ms. Fatma of the Department of Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Hon. Mulongo had just finished saying goodbye to the Liberian President who had just ended her two days official visit to Tanzania.

Earlier in the day, President Sirleaf toured the A to Z Textile Mills Ltd., the manufacturing company in Arusha that produces mosquito nets.

President Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia listens to Mr. Anuj Shah as he explains the process of making mosquito nets.  Mr. Shah is the CEO of the A to Z Textile Mills Limited.  Others in the photo are Hon. Sophia Simba (left), Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children and Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (3rd left), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo (right).

President Sirleaf inspects the mosquito nets during her tour at the A to Z Textile Mills Limited in Arusha.

A group photo of President Sirleaf, together with members of the A to Z Textile Mills Limited.  Others in the photo are Hon. Sophia Simba (3rd front-right), Hon. Sylvester Grigsby (1st front-left), Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (2nd front-left), Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (1st front-right), Senior Advisor to President Kikwete (Diplomatic Affairs) and Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo (2nd front-right).

  

A special gift, a Maasai traditional dress is presented o President Sirleaf 

A group photo with President Sirleaf in a Maasai traditional outfit which was gifted to her by the Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo.

HAFLA YA KUMUAGA BALOZI WA HISPANIA‏

Balozi Rajabu Gamaha, Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, akimkabidhi zawadi Mhe. Juan Manuel Gonzalez de Linares Palou, Balozi wa Hispania aliyemaliza muda wake wa kazi hapa nchini. Hafla hiyo ilifanyika jana katika Hoteli ya Golden Tulip, Dar es Salaam.

Mkurugenzi wa Sheria, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Balozi Irene Kasyanju (katikati) akiwa na baadhi ya Wageni waalikwa waliofika kwenye hafla hiyo akiwemo  Mhe. Mhe. Alfonso Leinherdt (kulia) Balozi wa Marekani hapa nchini.

Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ulaya na Amerika, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Balozi Dora Msechu (wa kwanza kushoto) akiwa na baadhi ya Mabalozi walioalikwa kwenye hafla ya kumuaga Balozi Juan (wa kwanza kulia).

Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Mashariki ya Kati, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Balozi Simba Yahya (kulia) akiwa na Mhe. Juan (katikati),  Balozi wa Hispania anayeondoka pamoja Mhe. Yudhistiranto Sungadi (kushoto), Balozi wa Indonesia hapa nchini katika hafla ya kumuaga Balozi Juan.Picha zote na Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.

Taarifa kuhusu ajali ya meli Zanzibar

 
TAARIFA YA MHESHIMIWA DKT. JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE, RAIS WA JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA, KUFUATIA AJALI YA KUZAMA KWA MELI YA MV SKAGIT ILIYOTOKEA TAREHE 18 JULAI, 2012, CHUMBE, ZANZIBAR


​Jana tarehe 18 Julai, 2012, majira ya alasiri kumetokea ajali ya kuzama kwa meli ya MV SKAGIT katika eneo la Chumbe, Zanzibar.  Meli hiyo iliyokuwa ikitokea Dar es Salaam kueleka Zanzibar ilikuwa imebeba watu 290. Kati yao watu wazima 250, watoto 31 na wafanyakazi wa meli 9.  

Amiri Jeshi Mkuu, Mheshimiwa Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete aliagiza vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama vya Serikali ya Muungano yaani JWTZ na  Polisi waanze kazi ya uokoaji mara moja.

​Kazi hiyo imefanywa kwa kushirikiana na vyombo vya usalama vya Serikali ya Mapinduzi Zanzibar na meli za makampuni binafsi.  Mpaka giza lilipokuwa limeingia na hivyo kazi ya uokoaji kusitishwa mpaka kutakapokucha tarehe 19 Julai, 2012, watu 136 walikuwa wameokolewa na maiti 31 zilikuwa zimepatikana. Aidha, mali zilizokuwa kwenye meli hiyo hazikuweza kuokolewa.  

​Kufuatia ajali hiyo, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano alizungumza na Dkt. Ali Mohamed Shein, Rais wa Serikali ya Mapinduzi Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi.  Alimpa pole kwa ajali iliyotokea hasa kwa vifo na majeraha waliyopata Watanzania wenzetu na watu wasiokuwa raia wa Tanzania.  Alimuomba afikishe salamu za rambirambi kwa ndugu zetu waliopotelewa na jamaa zao na kuwapa pole waliopata majeraha na maumivu maungoni mwao. Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano alisema kuwa huu ni msiba wetu sote na kwamba majonzi yao ni majonzi yake na ya Watanzania wote.  Kwa ndugu zetu waliojeruhiwa tunawaombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu awape ahueni na wapone haraka ili waweze kuendelea na shughuli zao za kujiletea maendeleo na kulijenga taifa letu.

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania amempongeza Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi, Dkt. Ali Mohamed Shein na viongozi wote wa ngazi mbalimbali kwa uongozi wao thabiti tangu taarifa ya kutokea kwa ajali mpaka sasa.  Aidha, amewapongeza maafisa na askari wa vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama na wafanyakazi wa meli binafsi, kwa juhudi kubwa walizozifanya za uokoaji wa ndugu zetu waliopatwa na maafa haya makubwa na ya aina yake.  Amewataka waendeleze juhudi hizo leo na siku zijazo.

​Rais amewataka wananchi wawe na moyo wa subira na uvumilivu wakati kazi ya uokoaji inaendelea.  Kama ilivyofanyika katika ajali ya MV Spice Islander miezi 10 iliyopita, uchunguzi wa kina utafanyika kubaini chanzo cha ajali.

​Kutokana na ajali hiyo na msiba huu mkubwa, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, ametangaza maombolezo ya taifa ya siku tatu ambapo bendera zitapepea nusu mlingoti kuanzia leo, tarehe 19 Julai, 2012.

​Asanteni sana.

 

Imetolewa na:
Kurugenzi ya Mawasiliano ya Rais,
Ikulu.
Dar es Salaam.
19  Julai, 2012

 

 

 

Arusha welcomes President Sirleaf

Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo introduces President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia to the Member of Regional Security Committe of Arusha.  Others in the photo are Hon. Sophia Simba (right), Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children and Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (2nd right), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

President Sirleaf enjoys the Maasai traditional jumping dance upon her arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

 

Women's group welcoming and entertaining President Sirleaf, who is in Arusha for a visit at A to Z Mosquito Net Factory prior to the climax of her two days official tour in Tanzania. 

  

Various women's group entertaining President Sirleaf.

President Sirleaf enjoys the traditional dances entertainment, together with Hon. Simba (left to her), RC of Arusha Hon. Mulongo, (1st right) and Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Senior Advisor to the President  - Diplomatic Affairs (2nd left).

Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo welcomes President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Arusha Region.  President Sirleaf is in Arusha for her final official tour where she is scheduled to visit A to Z Mosquito Net Factory prior to her return to Liberia.