Tanzania to preserve its freedom at “all costs”

Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa last week told members of parliament that the country would never trade its independence and dignity for aid. Tanzanian radio quoted him as saying that it would be a “massive betrayal” of Tanzania and its people if he and fellow leaders were to relinquish the mandate given to them by citizens and give it up to donors or lenders. “We have continuously insisted that the responsibility of shaping the country’s course is ours and the work of planning is ours,” he said. Mkapa also thanked donor countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Canada, Holland, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Ireland, US, Japan and the EU for agreeing to help cover election costs.