The high price they paid for Tanganyika

nngu007 · 2013-06-09T22:19:46+00:00

By Athuman Mtulya The Citizen Reporter Posted Sunday, June 9 2013 at 00:06 IN SUMMARY It has been a 20-year wait for G55, a group of leaders who distinguished themselves in the early 1990s as staunch proponents of a three-tier system of government. That dream has now moved closer to reality. Dar es Salaam. Tanzanias gallant champions of a federal system of government must have broken into cheers at the launch last Monday of the first draft constitution. It has been a 20-year wait for G55, a group of leaders who distinguished themselves in the early 1990s as staunch proponents of a three-tier system of government. That dream has now moved closer to reality. In those early days, calling for independent candidates was a taboo and the champions were dismissed as rebels. Today, they will feel vindicated. Their dream could finally come true should proposals by the Judge Joseph Warioba-led Constitution Review Commission lead to a Union Governmentone each for Tanzania Mainland (or Tanganyika) and Zanzibar and one joint one. The draft also provides for independent candidates. For many members of the G55, the campaign for re-introduction of an independent Tanzania Mainland came at a high price. They will feel vindicated should the public give the nod to a three-tier government in a referendum. Scores of them did not live to witness this turn of events but surviving members of the group welcomed the Commissions announcement. Those who spoke with The Citizen on Sunday soon after the release of the Katiba draft cautioned that the road ahead was still uncertain and would only become clear as the process unfolds. One influential CCM personality who took a hit over the G55 campaign is Mr John Malecela. He told The Citizen on Sunday: This (draft constitution) shows us one thing. Had we listened to what G55 were saying, maybe we would not be where we are now. He said: Yaliyopita si ndwele tugange yajayo. This translates into Leave the past where it belongs and lets chart the future. Some of the proposals are very challenging but we should see how to implement them to secure the future, he added. Mr Malecela, who is now retired after many years in top political positions, was dropped as prime minister in a 1993 reshuffle announced by President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

Thread starter nngu007
Start date Jun 10, 2013

nngu007

JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…

Back

Top Bottom

Forums

New posts

The high price they paid for Tanganyika

nngu007

JF-Expert Member

Our Community

Regional Communities