The East African Law Society (EALS) has called on leaders of East Africa to learn from the mistakes that John Pombe Magufuli, the President of Tanzania made during his five year term.
The East African Law Society -EALS has called on leaders of East
Africa to learn from the mistakes that John Pombe Magufuli, the President of
Tanzania made during his five year term.
Magufuli who led Tanzania from
2015 died on 17th March 2021 and left behind a legacy of a patriot who put his country first and was a man
of action who developed the economy of Tanzania and cared about the ordinary
Tanzanian.
On the other hand, there have been concerns of human
rights violation and disinformation in regards to the fight against COVID-19 during the reign of Magufuli. Human Rights Watch, an international Human Rights non-governmental organization, says Magufuli
leaves behind a legacy of repression and serious human
rights abuses.
Throughout his reign, Magufuli is accused of detaining political dissenters and suspending different media platforms ahead of the elections, censoring mobile
phone communication, in addition to arresting activists and journalists.
Magufuli also banned school girls who got pregnant from attended classes and organizations
dealing in family planning.
Now the different groups that paid tribute to the Tanzania Embassy in Kampala today have described Magufuli as a true African leader, a
man who loved his country and his people.
Benard Oundo, the President of the EALS who paid tribute to Magufuli
said that the Tanzanian President transformed his country in the few years, and
African leaders should learn from this and put the interest of their citizens
first. He however said that the most important thing leaders can take from
Magufuli’s life is not to make the mistakes he made.
Oundo said Magufuli fell short when it came to human rights,
and also his legacy will be remembered especially because of his stand on
COVID-19.
He said that leaders in East African should also learn that
they should not focus on building a country at the expense of citizens, but the
citizens and their freedom, protection and rights should be part of the development.
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tHE eals boss says that Magufuli achieved a lot when it comes to
infrastructure development, and leading the country to middle income status.
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Lillian Amri, a Tanzanian who works for Inter University
Council for East Africa and was also at the Tanzanian High Commission, said
Magufuli mentored his Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan and that’s why the country
remains intact after his untimely. She also says that Magufuli went to the grassroots by himself, finding out the state of service delivery and that made him unique.
She says that East African leaders should embrace Magufuli
so that there can be transformation of service delivery.
Alex Otto
Freelancer