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Canadian envoy predicts end of Isles political turmoil
2006-05-26 09:50:46
By Issa Yussuf, Zanzibar
The Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Andrew McAlister has expressed optimism over political development in Zanzibar.
He said his optimism derives from a statement President Jakaya Kikwete made in Dodoma last December during the inauguration of parliament and this week’s meeting of top-level government officials in Dar es Salaam.
McAlister made the remarks yesterday at the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) offices in Zanzibar when he spoke to media practitioners on media development.
The envoy, recalled President Kikwete making the observation, ’’As I take office, I’m distressed by the evident polarisation of politics, especially between Zanzibar and Pemba.
The recent election results have once again brought into sharp focus this polarisation.
We cannot run away from this historically determined polarisation. We must now confront it. Human beings do not have to be prisoners of their history.’’
Prior to holding discussion with the political parties, McAlister made a brief presentation on the Canadian model of a federal government.
He said, ’’Looking around the world, there are unitary states, republics, constitutional monarchies and federal states, each with their own unique history and responding to the particular needs of their constituents…some fundamental principles, which we regard as sacrosanct and universal such as democracy, accountability of government, the protection of human-rights and the rule of law.’’
He said the media is duty-bound to play its role in upholding the unity of Tanzanian people by helping sort out the political differences, especially, on the Isles.
However, he said that political will is necessary in solving political problems for democracy to take root.
’’If there are any conclusions that may be drawn from the Canadian experiences, political will to finding democratic solutions and spirit of compromise are necessary,’’ McAlister said.
The high commissioner said, flexibility in attitudes and institutions is vital if people are to change, a call that conforms to the president’s statement that ’’one should not forever be a prisoner of one’s history.’’
He also pledged his country’s readiness to provide support to development projects in the country, including training journalists on the Isles.
Canada is one of Tanzania’s leading development partners with investments that top one billion Canadian dollars in the past 40 years.
Canada has invested in transport, education, agriculture and health sectors, besides provision of safe water.
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