DAR ES SALAAM, (Xinhua) --
Tanzanian authorities said on Wednesday they have
started addressing shortcomings raised by the African Peer Review
Mechanism (APRM), the continent’s self-monitoring mechanism.
The mandate of the APRM is to encourage conformity in regard to
political, economic and corporate governance values, codes and
standards, among African countries.
Launching APRM’s country review report for Tanzania, the east
African country’s Vice-President, Samia Hassan Suluhu, said the APRM
initiative was relevant to the country given its massive potential
in deepening democracy and citizen participation.
“For ARPM, as an instrument for the transformation of the African
governance architecture has renewed hope and enthusiasm for our
people,” said Suluhu.
Tanzania acceded to the APRM process on May 26, 2004, providing the
country with a platform where the government and its people could
sit together as one in determining their country’s destiny
collectively.
In implementing the ARPM, she said Tanzania has started
strengthening institutions charged with good governance, democracy,
reducing poverty, the industrialization drive and delivery of social
services in the education, health and water.
She said one of the focus areas in the country’s industrialization
drive was reinforcement of the power and energy sector.
Suluhu said the government has continued with its zero tolerance
policy on corruption by taking relevant measures, including
strengthening institutions responsible for corruption oversight and
raising awareness campaigns on corruption and money laundering.
Suluhu said through the APRM initiative, Africa has shown the world
that it can dictate its own course of development and address
poverty afflicting its citizens.
“Through this mechanism we have been able to showcase to the world
our collective strength in improving democracy, peace and stability,
rule of law and good governance in general,” said Suluhu. |