A leading Tanzanian politician who launched a crackdown on
homosexuality has been banned from visiting the United States, the US
State Department said.
In a statement dated Friday, the US said the sanctions on Paul
Christian Makonda, the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania’s economic capital, come amid Washington’s growing concerns
about basic freedoms in the East African nation.
“These actions against Paul Christian Makonda underscore our concern
with human rights violations and abuses in Tanzania,” the statement
read.
Both Makonda and his wife, Mary Felix Massenge, are now barred from visiting the US.
“The Department of State is publicly designating Paul Christian
Makonda… due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights,
which include the flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the
security of persons,” the statement read.
“He has also been implicated in oppression of the political
opposition, crackdowns on freedom of expression and association, and the
targeting of marginalised individuals.”
In October 2018, Makonda announced a project to hunt down homosexuals.
President John Magufuli later distanced himself from this initiative,
explaining that it did not reflect the views of his government.
But it comes amid rising criticism of Magufuli by watchdogs for his human rights record.
“The United States remains deeply concerned over deteriorating
respect for human rights and rule of law in Tanzania,” the statement
read.
“We call on the Tanzanian government to respect human rights and
fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, association,
and the right of peaceful assembly,” it added.
https://www.today.ng/news/africa/tanzanias-paul-makonda-barred-rights-violations-277992
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