DR SALIM Deal with developments in Pemba more seriously.

Salim: Deal with developments in Pemba more seriously

27th October 2009EmailPrintComments
Former Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) Secretary General Dr Salim Ahmed Salim
Former Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) Secretary General Dr Salim Ahmed Salim has challenged the government to handle events unfolding in Pemba Island with the seriousness they deserve.

Parts of the Isles, particularly the opposition stronghold of Pemba Island, have been marred by sporadic chaos mainly associated with acquisition of citizenship identity cards and the updating of the permanent voter register.

Some incidents have witnessed police firing live bullets and teargas to disperse villagers perceived as likely to lead to breaches of the peace at or around registration centres. Businesses in some villages have sometimes come to a standstill following running chaos, but it has often been without incident.

“Chaos in Pemba Island, which is part of Tanzania, requires the will of committed and credible leaders to stop it,” said Dr Salim.

He was briefing the press in Dar es Salaam on Sunday on the events by Mo Ibrahim foundation which will take place in the city next month.

He said Mo Ibrahim prize committee took a decision not to award Ibrahim Prize this year to African leaders adding that it will instead use the occasion to highlight the importance of good governance and the role young Africans could play in future in the continent.

Eligible candidates according to Dr Salim are former executive heads of state or government who have taken office through proper elections and served the constitutional term as stipulated before leaving the office.

“Members of the prize committee ascribe to the values of the prize and operate on the basis of clearly laid guidelines. They do so, on the basis of independence, integrity and lack of conflict of interest,” he said.

In selecting the winner, he said several factors are taken into account including the performance of countries as assessed by the Ibrahim Index and other analysis of repute.

Chaired by the former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel peace laureate Kofi Annan, the committee members include Marti Ahtisaari, former president of Finland and Nobel peace laureate, Mohamed El Baradei, currently Head of the International Atomic energy Agency and Nobel peace lauterate, Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and High Commissioner of Human Rights, Aicha Bah Diallo, former minister of education of Guinea and Graca Machel, a leading voice on Humanitarian issues and a strong promoter of the Rights and welfare of Children.