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Botswana urges Tanzania to assist in DRC elections
2006-04-08 09:46:31
By Guardian Reporter, Gaborone
Tanzania has been urged to use its influence in the UN Security Council to persuade the international community to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo to successfully hold its first democratic elections in decades.
Botswana President Festus Mogae made the appeal on Wednesday, during a state banquet hosted in honour of Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete.
Tanzania is a non-permanent member of UN Security Council. Kikwete was in Botswana on a two-day official visit.
President Mogae said DRC ought to be assisted by the international community, to ensure that the forthcoming general election are held in a free and fair environment.
Mogae said his appeal was influenced by Tanzania’s experience and expertise in diplomacy.
He hailed the country for playing a leading role in arbitrating several political conflicts in countries in Southern Africa, and in the Great Lake region.
He gave a standing ovation for Tanzania’s role in the liberation of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and South Africa, and her unwavering strive for peace, tranquility and good governance in Africa.
’We praise Tanzania for helping other countries on the African continent to liberate themselves from the shackles of colonialism,’ he said.
On Tanzania’s last general election, President Mogae said he personally made a close follow up of the electioneering process.
At the same time, he hailed Tanzanians for enhancing their long-standing political tradition of democratic and peaceful transitions.
He said the overwhelming 80 per cent vote-victory by President Kikwete remained a clear and sufficient testimony that reflects political maturity on the part of Tanzanians.
Indeed, the Botswana President said, it manifests the trust the people of Tanzania have bestored to Kikwete, to steer the country to greater heights in economic development.
’I have been making a close follow up of your performance in the service of your government and have come to realise that you are a shining star,’ he said.
He said he was confident that President Kikwete would serve Tanzanians well, and lead them to prosperity.
President Mogae also used the occasion to praise Tanzania government for the great efforts made towards improving education, health and water sectors as well as raising the country’s economy to 6.7 per cent per year, lowering inflation.
He said, it was such achievements that compelled the International Monetary Fund to soften its stand on Tanzania by canceling its debts.
On HIV/Aids pandemic, President Mogae praised Tanzania for being able to scale down the infection rate to 7 per cent from 10 per cent.
Kikwete’s host was also impressed by the efforts made by Tanzania government in the provision of life prolonging drugs for those already affected by the pandemic.
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