Africa
DP World’s Past Port Operation Deals Makes It A Risky Gamble
In the recent past, atleast 22 people have been threatened or detained for criticising a deal between Tanzania and Dubai that covers the management of a Tanzanian port by Emirati logistics company DP World, according to Human Rights Watch.
Amnesty International said a number of dissents have been detained after speaking out publicly against the ports deal signed last October by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The agreement paves the way for DP World, a logistics company controlled by the emirate of Dubai in the UAE, to manage all the ports in Tanzania in consultation with the government.
The agreement was signed after a visit to Dubai by Tanzania’s president Samia Suluhu Hassan at which 37 memoranda of understanding were concluded. Hassan has sought to portray Tanzania as open for investment since becoming president in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli. It was ratified by parliament in June.
Critics of the deal say it poses a threat to Tanzanian sovereignty and security,
The agreement contained several unusual clauses that weakened Tanzania’s ability to change laws, annul contracts or seek competitive bids, said lawyers.
Clauses that have raised concern include one that prevents withdrawal from the deal “in any circumstances, including in the event of material breach, fundamental change of circumstances, severance of diplomatic or consular relations”.
However, the government has defended the accord, arguing that it will improve efficiency, cut costs and increase revenues.
“The Tanzanian authorities’ crackdown of critics of the UAE port deal reveals their growing intolerance to dissent,” Amnesty’s east and southern Africa director, Tigere Chagutah, said.
The accused could face treason charges — a non-bailable offence that carries a death penalty — Amnesty said, citing the defence lawyers.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Hassan came to power in March 2021 after the sudden death of her autocratic predecessor John Magufuli.
Although she has reversed some of Magufuli’s most controversial policies, critics labelled her a “dictator” after Freeman Mbowe, leader of the Chadema opposition party, was arrested on terrorism charges in July 2021 before being released.
Chadema is among those opposing the deal, which gives DP World exclusive rights for a period of 12 months to negotiate with the government on how best to manage the country’s 80 ports.
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