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Coordinator: African Peer Review Mechanism not a donor initiative
2008-03-29 09:38:21
By Lydia Shekighenda, Arusha
African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) country coordinator of Corporate and Governance Severinus Hyera has refuted claims that APRM is an initiative driven by donor countries.
Presenting a paper on the background and structure of APRM during a sensitization seminar to leaders of faith-based organisations here on Thursday, he said many people had doubted whether the mechanism was not a demand from donor countries.
``This mechanism is not initiated by donor countries but African heads of state and government to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to good governance,`` he said.
He added that it was agreed among African states themselves to monitor progress in governance and good practices.
``African countries are committed to self-assessment of good governance, there is no pressure posed by donor countries in conducting this exercise,`` he said.
Hyera said that African countries could seek assistance from donors for the implementation of the mechanism and there were countries which were ready to provide such assistance.
He said the state of willingness on the part of the Tanzanian government to be reviewed was a clear indication that the country was ready to improve its governance and rectify deficiencies where they would be observed.
``Full participation of all stakeholders in the assessment process was vital for the benefit of the people and the country as well,`` Hyera said.
He said people could benefit if the review exercise would be accepted as necessary and legitimate by all stakeholders.
A representative of the Tanzania Muslim Council, Suleiman Lolila, said there was a need to reward countries which performed well in good governance.
``The mechanism should not end with just a plan of action for the governance deficit but should also reward those countries which will have performed well to pose a challenge to poor performers.`` Lolila said.
Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Anthony Mkude said the need for conducting self-assessment was of great significance because life with no assessment had no future.
``This process touches the whole continent of Africa including our country on good governance which is the cornerstone for countries development,`` he said.
He said: ``It is the responsibility of every person in the country to play their role to make this exercise successful,`` Mkude said.
APRM Tanzania is conducting sensitisation seminars in different parts of the country to prepare people in making assessment on good governance.
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