I live in the Diaspora. That alone gives me an experience edge over most of the folks in Tanzania. I know some folks would regard that as bragging, but it is not. It is a matter of fact. Obviously, my experience has helped me grow. Not only intellectually, but as a total person. I have come to see how similar human beings are in terms of their motivations. We all want to be happy, prosperous, powerful, recognized, etc. The only difference, however, is how different society achieves their goals. That to me has been the separating point between the West and Africa, for instance.
I came across this article from Daily News on how the University of Dar-Es-Salaam scholars blasted the idea of dual citizenship. Reading every rationale provided by the scholars, I almost went bananas. Read the original article yourself, lest I get accused of making up stories.
I seriously respect the UDSM scholars’ opinions. It is their prerogative to express their views. Nonetheless, I would like to express my opinions too. And my take is this: the view expressed by most of the quoted UDSM students and professors is myopic.
I can understand tying single citizenship to true patriotism, but that is a debatable argument, particularly in the Tanzanian context. From a practical standpoint, the track record of single citizens – some of whom are holding Tanzanian diplomatic passports – does not give an indication of a serious and true commitment to Tanzania. These are the same folks who have brought us RDC, the radar saga and endless of swindling of public funds. True patriotism goes beyond paying lip service and an abundant supply of meaningless rhetoric. It appears that the UDSM scholars are ascribing citizenship to a very narrow view of what it stands for.
Just a little further, globalization means mobility of labor and resources. Isn’t that’s why Tanzania is trying to lure foreign investors? If that is the case then, fear of foreign “invasion”, which has been cited as reason against dual citizenship, is more than a narrow view. Foreign “invasion”, if anything is imminent. Recently, the Tanzanian president has been trotting around the globe marketing Tanzania. The simple translation to that is the foreigners will flock Tanzania whether dual citizenship is a way to go or otherwise. By the way, Vodacom or Barrick Gold are not Tanzania owned companies. As such, singing patriotic songs will not change the global forces. The only wise thing we can do is to be proactive and manage those trends.
I gather that our “educated” mass at UDSM is still stuck in the Tanzania of 1975 when anything patriotic and Pan-Africanism sounding made a lot of sense. Unfortunately, the world of physical borders is slowing eroding and we are increasingly becoming a global village.
The loss of true Tanzanianship, if I can coin the expression, is about to end anyways. I don’t know what the UDSM scholars are seeing, but from my view point, the introduction of the East African passport will mean the end of Tanzania citizenship. If the EAC thing goes through, we all know that Tanzanians will become Kenyan and Ugandan citizenship, if you will. So why would educated folks fail to see what is actually up close and under their noses?
I guess they were busy being too patriotic.
I really can’t understand why Tanzanians would think that they are all that. The last time I checked, Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Let’s put that in capital letters: ONE OF THE POOREST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. Check the CIA fact figures . With an estimated $29.25 billion GDP in 2006, Tanzania was below Kenya ($40.77) and Uganda ($51.89 billion. Given those facts, why would an “educated” person in Tanzania think that there would be a mass influx to Tanzania simply because of dual citizenship? Why would we think Ugandans are imbeciles for allowing dual citizenship (despite having the highest GDP in East Africa)?
Just go ahead and look at the list of other countries (including many other African countries) that allow dual citizenship. The truth is that most of these countries are doing much better economically than Tanzania.
Well, some folks have contended that only a minority group is pushing for dual citizenship and therefore eliminating the need of granting dual citizenship. Have the “educated” elite of Tanzania thought about the fact that the majority of Tanzanians are farmers that have never seen a Tanzanian passport? Furthermore, I really don’t understand why an informed minority in a country would be denied a right to choose, simply because the majority group is ignorant.
Well, some Dr. Colman Msoka made this comment, which I honestly think is shortsighted if not stupid: “ If they (I guess he was referring to Tanzanian living abroad) love this country they should come and stay here. Why allow them to come and go?”
Well, Dr. Msoka, staying in Tanzania could be an outward expression of loving Tanzania, but is that truly the only, absolute way that one can express their love for their country? Let’s be honest. Who’s the number one enemy to Tanzania: those Tanzanians who chose to look for employment elsewhere or those Tanzanians in Tanzania who are looting the country left and right?
Deducing that Tanzanians stationed in the Diaspora are sell-outs is more than stupid. For one, it is the prerogative of every Tanzanian to travel abroad. I think that is why Tanzanian passports are issued. Secondly, it is the right of every Tanzanian to look for employment anywhere in the world (provided they don’t break the law in those foreign countries), particularly in this globalized economy. Are the white managers in Bulyakhulu less Canadians because they are stationed in Shinyanga?
It appears to me that Dr. Msoka is undermining the economic contribution of Tanzanians living abroad. I have given this example before, but I will do it again for the benefit of the ignorant likes of Dr. Msoka. I live in the United States. My mother lives in Shirati, Tarime. On a monthly basis, I send money to mom. My mom does not hide that money under her pillow. She circulates my money into the local economy. I know of other folks from Shirati right here in the United States who do the same. I know folks in Dar-es-Salaam who do the same. We keep the Shirati’s economy rolling. So do you mean to tell that a person from Shirati who decided to be stationed in Dar-es-Salaam, for instance, for economic reasons does not love Shirati enough?
There are other cultural reasons to consider also. For instance, I have a son born in the United States. He is an American from a legal standpoint, but a Tanzanian from a cultural perspective. His grandmother is still in Shirati and she pretty much considers him her bloodline. I wonder if the likes of Dr. Msoka are considering such unique situations. There are so many countries out there that are allowing dual citizenship, but my son does not have a reason to be a Ugandan, for instance. He is tied to Tanzania. Unfortunately, there are people in Tanzania who think my son does not deserve a chance to make a connection with both the country of his birth and the land that is housing his grandfather’s grave.
I came across this article from Daily News on how the University of Dar-Es-Salaam scholars blasted the idea of dual citizenship. Reading every rationale provided by the scholars, I almost went bananas. Read the original article yourself, lest I get accused of making up stories.
I seriously respect the UDSM scholars’ opinions. It is their prerogative to express their views. Nonetheless, I would like to express my opinions too. And my take is this: the view expressed by most of the quoted UDSM students and professors is myopic.
I can understand tying single citizenship to true patriotism, but that is a debatable argument, particularly in the Tanzanian context. From a practical standpoint, the track record of single citizens – some of whom are holding Tanzanian diplomatic passports – does not give an indication of a serious and true commitment to Tanzania. These are the same folks who have brought us RDC, the radar saga and endless of swindling of public funds. True patriotism goes beyond paying lip service and an abundant supply of meaningless rhetoric. It appears that the UDSM scholars are ascribing citizenship to a very narrow view of what it stands for.
Just a little further, globalization means mobility of labor and resources. Isn’t that’s why Tanzania is trying to lure foreign investors? If that is the case then, fear of foreign “invasion”, which has been cited as reason against dual citizenship, is more than a narrow view. Foreign “invasion”, if anything is imminent. Recently, the Tanzanian president has been trotting around the globe marketing Tanzania. The simple translation to that is the foreigners will flock Tanzania whether dual citizenship is a way to go or otherwise. By the way, Vodacom or Barrick Gold are not Tanzania owned companies. As such, singing patriotic songs will not change the global forces. The only wise thing we can do is to be proactive and manage those trends.
I gather that our “educated” mass at UDSM is still stuck in the Tanzania of 1975 when anything patriotic and Pan-Africanism sounding made a lot of sense. Unfortunately, the world of physical borders is slowing eroding and we are increasingly becoming a global village.
The loss of true Tanzanianship, if I can coin the expression, is about to end anyways. I don’t know what the UDSM scholars are seeing, but from my view point, the introduction of the East African passport will mean the end of Tanzania citizenship. If the EAC thing goes through, we all know that Tanzanians will become Kenyan and Ugandan citizenship, if you will. So why would educated folks fail to see what is actually up close and under their noses?
I guess they were busy being too patriotic.
I really can’t understand why Tanzanians would think that they are all that. The last time I checked, Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Let’s put that in capital letters: ONE OF THE POOREST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. Check the CIA fact figures . With an estimated $29.25 billion GDP in 2006, Tanzania was below Kenya ($40.77) and Uganda ($51.89 billion. Given those facts, why would an “educated” person in Tanzania think that there would be a mass influx to Tanzania simply because of dual citizenship? Why would we think Ugandans are imbeciles for allowing dual citizenship (despite having the highest GDP in East Africa)?
Just go ahead and look at the list of other countries (including many other African countries) that allow dual citizenship. The truth is that most of these countries are doing much better economically than Tanzania.
Well, some folks have contended that only a minority group is pushing for dual citizenship and therefore eliminating the need of granting dual citizenship. Have the “educated” elite of Tanzania thought about the fact that the majority of Tanzanians are farmers that have never seen a Tanzanian passport? Furthermore, I really don’t understand why an informed minority in a country would be denied a right to choose, simply because the majority group is ignorant.
Well, some Dr. Colman Msoka made this comment, which I honestly think is shortsighted if not stupid: “ If they (I guess he was referring to Tanzanian living abroad) love this country they should come and stay here. Why allow them to come and go?”
Well, Dr. Msoka, staying in Tanzania could be an outward expression of loving Tanzania, but is that truly the only, absolute way that one can express their love for their country? Let’s be honest. Who’s the number one enemy to Tanzania: those Tanzanians who chose to look for employment elsewhere or those Tanzanians in Tanzania who are looting the country left and right?
Deducing that Tanzanians stationed in the Diaspora are sell-outs is more than stupid. For one, it is the prerogative of every Tanzanian to travel abroad. I think that is why Tanzanian passports are issued. Secondly, it is the right of every Tanzanian to look for employment anywhere in the world (provided they don’t break the law in those foreign countries), particularly in this globalized economy. Are the white managers in Bulyakhulu less Canadians because they are stationed in Shinyanga?
It appears to me that Dr. Msoka is undermining the economic contribution of Tanzanians living abroad. I have given this example before, but I will do it again for the benefit of the ignorant likes of Dr. Msoka. I live in the United States. My mother lives in Shirati, Tarime. On a monthly basis, I send money to mom. My mom does not hide that money under her pillow. She circulates my money into the local economy. I know of other folks from Shirati right here in the United States who do the same. I know folks in Dar-es-Salaam who do the same. We keep the Shirati’s economy rolling. So do you mean to tell that a person from Shirati who decided to be stationed in Dar-es-Salaam, for instance, for economic reasons does not love Shirati enough?
There are other cultural reasons to consider also. For instance, I have a son born in the United States. He is an American from a legal standpoint, but a Tanzanian from a cultural perspective. His grandmother is still in Shirati and she pretty much considers him her bloodline. I wonder if the likes of Dr. Msoka are considering such unique situations. There are so many countries out there that are allowing dual citizenship, but my son does not have a reason to be a Ugandan, for instance. He is tied to Tanzania. Unfortunately, there are people in Tanzania who think my son does not deserve a chance to make a connection with both the country of his birth and the land that is housing his grandfather’s grave.
Honestly, I think patriotism without critically looking at all pertinent factors is just stupidity, if not craziness and irrational fanatism.
28 comments:
I agree 100% with you Metty- they are so myopic on so many levels. Another important note is that western Govts including UK & US, know that Tanzanians living and working abroad are the most likely to return home out of many African nations especially when compared with Nigerians or even our Kenyans friends.
Are these students from UDSM protectionist? If so, what are they trying to protect- capital flight, being out-educated or out-skilled by the few? I applaud their starting point- by questioning who this dual citizenship scheme will likely benefit, and yes- very few at present. But as you say Metty, they stop far too short especially on the economic angle, if they are trying to be protectionist on capital flight, they fail to take into account the amount of remittances that flows back into Tanzania which is substantial, not to mention future investors, the educated and skilled workers...
In the long run, allowing dual citizenship makes sense in this globalised world- look at India, people who made their fortunes and honed their skills are going back home and investing heavily- net result- India's companies are now buying up more western companies than foreign companies buying into India! All that talent that went abroad years ago is now helping India tremendously- I don't think the outsourcing industry, a hallmark of globalization, would be what it is without dual citizen Indians who can set up links in both the west and their home country.
Maybe UDSM students are are not confident that we can raise our skill levels enough EN MASS to compete in the new world, are we willing and patient enough to count on solely educating, training our people as well as sourcing investment at home rather than abroad? Closing our borders to capital, talent and knowledge in BOTH directions sounds like suicide to me. Maybe they are afraid that a rising tide (globalization) does not lift all boats. I'd like to hear more debate on this since it seems like there might be some losers in the broader opening up of Tanzania.
Dual citizenship is not strike a blow to patriotism as UDSM scholars claimed. Instead, is a ticket to unimpeded labour mobility and is a curb on the power of nationalism. Moreover, dual citizenship is a way of retaining an economic link to the emigrants. I am sure none of those scholars blasted dual citizenship idea is aware in these days there is growing number of people who automatically obtain that status at birth. The move toward gender equality has dictating a break of the traditional rules that a father’s citizenship determines his child. Hence, children now born to parents of different nationalities inherit both. Nonetheless, in order to promote the integration of immigrant’s communities, more countries needs to adopting rules that bestow citizenship on children born to immigrants. These children entitled to acquire both citizenship from their birth country and nationality of their parents. Nevertheless, no one is denying there is no danger of dual nationality. However, dual nationality presents more opportunities than threats, freeing individuals from irreconcilable choices and fostering connections that can further travel, trade, and peaceful relations. The claim that dual nationality is bigamy adapts the wrong family analogy is an absurd. Marriage makes a person a member of two families, one’s own and own’s spouses. To give love or loyalty to the second does not require subtracting from the first.
@Mbwana & Anonymous 3:45PM
It would be injustice to add to what you guys said...
This is my question: if the "educated" class in Tanzania is just so ignorant, what about grandpas and grandmas in villages who have never had the opportunity to learn calcus?
Jaduong,
Oimore, Erokamano!
Lete mambo, nimependa sana mchango wako. Watanzania tumezidi ujinga, wivu, vijicho na kila upuuzi. Nani alisema eti kukwama Dar es Salaam ndiyo uzalendo? Hivi hao wasomi njaa wa UDSM wakipewa tiketi na viza hawatauana kuja Majuu? Wasilete za kuleta hapa. Watanzania walioko nje wanajua mambo zaidi ya walioko ndani na pia wana fedha zaidi, wanaipenda nchi yao kuliko wezi waliojazana Tanzania. Hao waliokwama huko na viroho korosho wanaifanyia nini Tanzania? Wanaishia kuogopa East Africa basi. Ngoja sasa watawaliwe na Wakenya. Sisi Wabongo wa Majuu tukitua Dar visomi vya UDSm vyote vinafukuzwa kazi tunapewa sisi. Washukuru kwamba kuna Wabongo huku Majuu ambao wako tayari kurejea waijenge nchi yao, vinginevyo Tanzania itamezwa sasa hivi na Wakenya na Makaburu. Watanzania walioko nje wana mchanga mkubwa kuliko inavyofikiriwa na wasomi uchwara. Kwanza kwa nini wataalam wengi walisomea nje? Au hivi hao Makaburu wanaoitawala Bongo kiuchumi hivi sasa, wamepungukiwa na Uafrika Kusini? Nani alisema eti ukikaa nje unakuwa nusu mzalendo? Mijinga sana mijitu hii.
A friend of mine, Majaliwa, has just sent me an email discussing this issue. He does not mind me sharing with you guys (A bit long though):
Hawa wasomi wametoa pointi zifuatazo, that dual citizenship will:
1. penalise Tanzanians because they dont have free movement (i.e. no free labor movement);
2. itawanifaisha waTanzania walioko nchi za nje to the disadvantage of those at home; and
3. it will allow foreigners to own land.
Labor mobility and disadvantage for "wananchi"
Navyoona mimi (warning: i have a vested interest here as a Tanzanian living abroad who wants the laws changed!!)point one and two hazina msingi kwani allowing the free movement of labour across borders is a policy issue that the Government will need to adress to comply with EAC requirements.
The articles of federation, or whatever, commit the 3, now 5, governments to working towards this goal - kwahiyo point hii haina substance really. Kuwanufaisha watanzania abroad haina msingi pia because the opposite is true, that is waTZ hao wanataka kuishikilia TZ citizenship - this should actually maximise the chances of them bringing home wealth/mali created abroad.
Wakiacha uraia mali hii itaishia nje - a very real issue kwani kuna madoctor,waliimu,engineers na maexperts wengi kutoka Africa ambao wanafanya hivyo - building the economies of the West because Governments in Africa do not allow them the opportunity to securely transfers their savings back home - kwasasa i think lazma uhonge kama unataka kufanya hivyo. Also kumbuka kwamba kuna watu wanchi za nje wengi tu (wasouth africa/wahindi etc) ambao wanarudisha divideds/profits za biashara zao makwao, as we speak, so the laws really don’t address or stop this fact - uraia utawapa incentive kuinvest hizo faida badala ya kuzituma "nyumbani".
Dodgy foreigners owning our land
So, having said this,it brings us to the last point which is the one that has substance au lenye msingi, the issue of foreigners owning our land. This is a real issue because foreigners (although they will not be foregners if they are citizens) owning land could raise security, economic and dual loyalty issues which, on the face of it, could be tricky to resolve. These are dealt with below.
Economic issues could arise when rich foreigners outbid locals to purchase prime land, a move which can lead to social disintegration, in the local term, inequity and dislocation for some or a 2,3 tiered society ( off course this doomsday scenario overlooks the fact that the new owners might use the land more productively - through new technologies & know how - and create jobs in the process). Security issues arise where foreigners end up owning strategic pieces of land which might jeopardize the security of the nation in times of war etc. But again this overlooks the fact that in such circumstances the Government can legislate to change the law and compulsory acquire land - as Mwalimu Nyerere did enzi za ujamaa etc. On the question of loyalty, naona, at the end of the day, a piece of paper does not necessarily truly testify to someone’s loyalty, kuna watu wengi ambao, although they were/are not citizens of a specific country the loyalty they show through their actions goes beyond what most nationalists/patriotic people would ever dream of doing!
Kwahiyo while this ownership issue seems big I don’t think it is enough on its own to stop reforms. Personally, I think the Government should change the law to allow dual citizenship and get around the land ownership problems by requiring that dual citizens who want to own land must go through a review board to ensure that the transaction will not adversely affect the country and will create welfare for Tanzanians. Most western countries do: the USA, Australia etc all allow dual citizenship and allow many “foreigners” to own land in their countries without any problems. Indeed a number of us wabongo in the west are beneficiaries of this.,from what I can tell Australia or the USA are not exactly suffering from such decisions. They get around the problem by setting up rigorous processes for vetting foreign ownership of strategic land and other “sensitive” assets, as a sovereign country we will reserve this right. Australia has its foreign investment review board (FIRB) which reviews all large foreign investment proposals to make sure that they are in the national interest.FIRB pays particular attention on reviewing the impacts of proposals to buy land in rural/regional areas to ensure these don’t adversely affect the communities and people there. We can also do this quite easily.
On royalty, the US prevents anyone not born there from running for the presidency (i.e. candidate must be a natural born citizen) so na sisi tunaweza kutunga sheria zinazostahiliwa kuthibiti swala hili by extending such requirements to sensitive offices. So to end, mimi binafsi naona hawa wasomi wafanye more extensive analysis,preferably on countries that have dual citizenship, kwenye kuchangia kwenye debate instead of relying on short sighted and, at times, emotive logic.
@Mwandani
Thanks for sharing. I couldn't agree more with what Majaliwa said. The more you look at it, it is sad that we have “educated” folks in Tanzania who are not really educated. It is amazing that one could be pursuing a Masters degree, yet sound like a high school dropout.
*I meant Calculus (as opposed to Calcus) in my previous comment.
Even worse, it shows how poorly folks think in Tanzania. I mean, if you have a potential risk or problem (e.g. land allocation), isn’t it intelligent to find a mitigating procedure or control?
This is ridiculous for real! how could a university folk have such a primitive and unexposed idea on this dual citizenship thing!! Do they really know what's happenning on the other side of this planet? I doubt, Is this supposed to be a new idea in this world? NO. Can i relate these folks with a CRABOLOGY system? where crabs in the container tends to pull down any individual attempting to climb? wait a minute, not for a UNIVERSITY STUDENT! Whoever championed this negative touch (Coz i don't believe that all folks at mlimani could bring up this SLEEPY idea on the table) probably need to open their eyes and see how the little dollars we sent home every now is useful to our economy.
Wa Tz kwa Upande mwingine ni waoga ndio maana wana taka kuburuzwa kwenye EAC.
Kwa sababu hatupendi kujifunza na ku-face Challenges.
Ndio maana unaona kwenye Data Mbali Mbali tupo nyuma licha ya kuwa na Maliasili Nyingi Kuliko Kenya na Uganda. Eg kwenye Utalii, Kilimo Etc.
tukirudi kwenye issue ya Dual citizenship utaona America, wana jaribu kukaribisha as much foreignoirs as possible awe Mchina, Mhindi, Mwaafrika etc, as long as kuna kuwepo na Check and balances.
Hivyo Dual Citizenship ina uzuri wake na kama kuna hayo Matatizo ya kufikirika, ni kuweka Sheria ambayo itafunika hayo Matatizo.
na hata sasa hivi licha ya kuwa to much Tuna Protect hiyo Ardhi na Capital Flights etc etc, lakini tuna shindwa kwa sababu hatuna nguvu za Kiuchumi kuendelea kungangania hizo sera Zetu.
Kwa Wale Wasomi, tuna jua Open system and Close System na Advantages of Each, vis a vis Dis-advantages.
Na wengi wetu tumeona open System in Stimulate Development etc.
So hao ndugu zangu wa Mlimani nawaomba they should think beyond the Four Walls there are in.
Kama mtu ukiwa Sitting Room umekaa , don't think hakuna maisha zaidi ya hapo sitting room yako, hayo ndio matatizo ya wa Bongo, unapo face challenge ndio unaelemika zaidi na akili in panuka ktk kufikiria, wenzetu walikuwa wame face challewnge ya raw material, ndio maana wakaja africa etc, wali face chjallenge ya masoko, ndio maana wakaleta bidha zao africa, wali face challenge ya energy ndio wakagundua mafuta, gesi, jinsi ya kufua umeme wa maji. Hydro Electric dams etc
Most of the time, it bother me to see how our future leaders don’t see the horizon. Even though we located them on the “HILL”, they are unable to see beyond it.
Sikufanikiwa kufika MLIMANI (University). Vile vile ulaya sijafika. Lakini hawa wasomi wana nifanya nijisikie swafi kabisa na elimu yangu ya uwalimu, kutoka Kigurunyembe. Akilizao ni finyu saana. I hope and pray that none of them were my students.
Watanzania wengi wanao ishi nje wana saidi saana nyumbani. Ukiwa huko nje ukitatuma hela za kumjengea mzazi wako nyumba ya room mbili, siyo tu kwamba wazazi wako wamefaidika, bali kijiji na taifa zima tuna faidika, vijana wana pata kazi ya kujenga, kiwanda cha saruji nacho kina faidika, pickup za kubeba matofali, mbao, mabati ect. Wote tuna faidika. These people are creating hundreds if not thousands of jobs every year in Bongland.
Tazama Uganda, Ugandans living abroad sent home about $500 million last year in foreign currency - more than the country's main exports of coffee, fish and flowers combined.
http://www.queensu.ca/samp/migrationnews/article.php?Mig_News_ID=2857&Mig_News_Issue=16&Mig_News_Cat=1
Pendekezo langu ni kwamba serekali iwape watanzania waliyo chukua uraia wa nchi nyingine vibali vitakavyo wawezesha kuja nyumbani bila ku-hitaji visa, and above all, haki ya kumiliki ardhi. Kuhusu kazi, watanzania hawa pamoja na watoto wao waliyo zaliwa nje, waruhusiwe kufanya kazi na private companies; except, the army and the government because these are sensitive area. Haya ndio maoni ya mtanzania ambaye hakufika "mlimani"
@All,
I think we can all agree that the arguments presented by the so-called educated class left alot to be desired. It just shows how weak our education system is in critical thinking and emphasizing research.
But this is my question: how does someone like Dr. Msoka makes his decisions on a daily basis?
Metty et al.
Are they for real? Are they really serious? I mean the arguments(I'm being charitable here) put forward by our learned folk leave a lot to be desired! I must say I am quite disappointed by the comments attributed to Dr. Msoka. One would expect a person of his academic stature and exposure to be more insightful, oh well, what do you know!!
Seems like they first came up with the conclusion that rejects dual citizenship and then they went scrambling to come up with something, anything to sort of validate their already established conclusion, the problem is they couldn't come up with anything substantial. Why? That's another question altogether...
"I gather that our “educated” mass at UDSM is still stuck in the Tanzania of 1975 when anything patriotic and Pan-Africanism sounding made a lot of sense."
ANSWER :if you were black/african then pan-africanism would ring a bell.
"Unfortunately, the world of physical borders is slowing eroding and we are increasingly becoming a global village.'
ANSWER: WHO IS BENEFITING FROM BECOMING A GLOBAL VILLAGE?, THE ANSWER WILL BE , USA AND EU MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS.WHY THERE IS NO CRBD BRANCH (BENKI YA MIJINI NA VIJIJINI) IN THE US,UK OR OTHER EU COUNTRIES?.
"If the EAC thing goes through, we all know that Tanzanians will become Kenyan and Ugandan citizenship"
ANSWER: DOES THE EAC ACT EXPAINS CITIZENSHIP OR RESIDENTIAL STATUS? , REMEMBER utaifa/uraia na ukazi IS different.WE DONT HAVE TO BECOME KENYANS,UGANDANS OR OTHER TO TRADE IN EAST AFRICA.I AGREE WITH EAST AFRICA ECONOMICAL COMMUNITY BUT NO A POLITICAL INTEGRATION.PLEASE CHECK EU ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE.
"For instance, I have a son born in the United States. He is an American from a legal standpoint, but a Tanzanian from a cultural perspective. "
ANSWER: A CHILD BORN FROM A TANZANIA FAMILY OVERSEAS IS A TANZANIAN CITIZEN AND NOT "IN CULTURE PERSPECTIVE", READ YOUR KATIBA . NENDA UBALOZINI D.C. APPLY FOR TANZANIAN PASSPORT/BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR CHILD.
@Shuma,
Thanks for dropping your comments. You didn't have to yell (writing in capital letters is yelling from an e-communication standpoint).
Just in response to your comments:
1. The pan-Africanism sentiments were then. This is now, where we have to find a new voice to liberate Africans. The old mentality didn't work, or worked a little. The world is moving and Africans we have to move too. Blaming colonial masters for everything, including our own shortsightedness is losing steam.
2. I agree with you that CRDB can't open a branch in the United States. How many branches does CRDB have in Tanzania alone? I hope you get the point. It is not that CRDB can't compete in thw the world because of some whiteman's conspiracy, it is because the bank lacks stragetic plans. Period. We can't be afraid of globalization becasue we want to hang on to subpar thinking and performance.
Just ask yourself: why is that no Tanzanian banks have branches in either Uganda or Kenya, while the opposite is true? The issue is not globalization, but own lack of competitive mind and spirit. So I guess you want to echo maintaining the status quo. Too bad!
3. For all practical purposes, how many Tanzanians you know (in the United States) have applied for their kids' Tanzanian citizenship?
Dear Metty, I like your topic on duo citizenship. Watanzania sana sana wamejaa wivu tu kuona wenzao wako nje' lakini badala ya kusema tufanye nini ili tujiendeleze wanatafuta njia ya kuwarudisha wenzao nyuma. Yaani nyumbani wana wivu na majungu yasiyoeleweka hata usaidie vipi watatafuta njia ya kutaka kukuangusha. Ingawa jamaa wamesoma na wako mlimani siyo kusema wana elimu ya kufikili na kuchambua umuhimu wa maendeleo. Safari ya kutoka Bongo mpaka sehemu nyingine ni elimu sana vile vile. Kwa hiyo wenyewe wana miss hiyo elimu. Ndiyo maana utaona jamaa wanaotoka mlimani wakija huku (Marekani)kusoma wanashindwa ata kuwasha microwave au kuandika anwani ya hapa. Wangeiga mfano wa Rais ambaye anasafiri kila mala nje' kwa vile anajua umuhimu wa wa Tanzania walioko nje.
I am a sudanese who has lived in kenya for over ten years and now residing overseas working. It dissappointing to have gain an overseas citizenship when all this time kenya could have encouraged me to have apply for citizenship. Apparently I am not allowed to retain my citizenship of sudan or other should I apply for or gain kenyan citizenship how sad!
That therefore means the so called brain drain is encouraged by such rules. MOst western countries like australia don't care where you come from so long as you have something to offer their country. The result is that african countries lose their best by enforcing such rules.
I wonder when this dinosaurs will wake up and realise such misguided patriotism is costing the countries. God help such dumbness!!
Nhial
... the UDSM dons they may may be right and you may be right so as every everybody about the dual citizenship issue. What you should argue is how does the dual citzenship will bring about the economic growth of this poor nation as quoted. In my stand dual citzenship is not and will not be one of the factor from poor hell. One argues on Brain darin; it was ther and it will be there. Think of the villages, most Tanzania used village resources in their education once but they never go back, creating vaccuum of elites/experts in villages and so they reamin poor and poor. to stop the argued brain drain we need to to unvest heavily in education/ especially higher education, produce more engineers, physicians etc. say 1000,000's per year, let them consume to their need and in end we will remail with lots to save our nation. But with current trend yes brain drain is bad, but we can turn it to valued export.
Regards
Mfundishi
Why it is not surprising that the young guys at the university think like idiots, when they have baffoons like Msoka as their lecturers. I can imagine that Msoka did not pay for his education (at the Hill of course), national resources must have been use to educate him. Now that it is clear that, that education did not have any impact on this thick head Msoka and he is of no benefit to the nation or wananch, he should refund the money that was used to pay for his education.
Why it is not surprising that the young guys at the university think like idiots, when they have baffoons like Msoka as their lecturers. I can imagine that Msoka did not pay for his education (at the Hill of course), national resources must have been use to educate him. Now that it is clear that, that education did not have any impact on this thick head Msoka and he is of no benefit to the nation or wananch, he should refund the money that was used to pay for his education.
Why are you guys surprised that Young guys at Mlimani are idiots, they are after all lecturered by the likes of Mr Msoka and Professor Shivji, da? these baffoons have no knowledge to impart to anyone.
The fact is, government funds were used to educated Mr Msoka. Since the education had had no impact on this baffoon, the government should not only recoup the wananchi resources that were used to educate him, but aslo fire him as he does not qualify for the position he is holding at the University
I am a Tanzanian abroad and while I would never ever give up my Tanzanian citizenship, it would make my life easier if I was allowed dual citizenship. That would make life a little less complicated where I live right now.
What I find sad is that young people, rather than seeing the possibilities, are just opposing this without giving much thought to it. How much harm can this do when a lot of countries around the world allow it? I guess we need to start with better education.
Talk about educated fools
I am certain that those who oppose dual citizenship have little knowhow about the wider view of current world.
I also live abroad and I can see what for instance people from countries that accept dual citizenship like Morocco contributed to their motherland.
i am an african american, only recently having done research as to my origins prior to slavery and have discovered it's the Tanzanian region. I think this discussion is very interesting because I would love to attempt to make the argument one day soon that due to this reason, all african americans in the u.s. should be allowed to have dual citizenship based on the circumstances of slavery.
I have studied and worked in the UK and Belgium for 40 years and now I am a retired lawyer working together with my Belgium wife as a volunteer in Tabora for 4 years. I was born in Tabora and lived there for 18 years. I have a very lovely memories of my childhood and I am glad I can come back and do something for the people and the country who were responsible for my good foundation Now I would like to live in Tabora and die there like my ancestors did. But the only choice I have is to renounce my British Citizenship and become a Tanzanian. My wife who is a white Belgium and my two daughters who were born in Belgium and now married and work in the UK are against it. So a compromise would be a get a dual nationality. Is this a bad reason? Do you think I will become patriotic if I become a Tanzanian only? I was once a Tanzanian and then became a British Subject. But my sole Tanzanian citizenship did not induce me to be a true patriotic.
I have always maintained blind nationalism reflexes how ignorant a person is. He is not only limited in thinking but dangerous. He would complain about a chagaa living in Tabora because he can never have sympathy with Tabora.
He will be in favour kicking all foreigners out and then when no foreigners are left he will pick on local tribes.
In spite of all these ignorant people so called educated people and so called "loving Tanzania" people we must say “ongera” to the Tanzanian parliament who has passed the dual nationality bill and now only discussing the details.
J. Patel B.Sc. M.Sc LL.B Hons.
I love my Tanzania,
Today I am very disappointed, I was almost getting my new citizenship and one of the local goverment worker (where I life currently) said to me, I shall say goodbye to my Tanzanian citizenship! I was wordless, for a while I was lost, then after a couple of minutes, I got back to sence, I started asking a numbers of questions and I was told: this law is from of my own land Tanzania, ( I have to give up my old citizenship) incase I get new passport! I left the building by saying" I shall find out a correct information and I need time to think over again" Its not easy I am totaly alone here, I am married with a foreigner, I have wonderful memories of my land, my whole family, my identity, my cultural value: although I am in origin Indian but we are six genetation born and raised in Tanzania, we went to local schools, our neighbour is my mjomba, at sokoni I have shangazi, I am heart broken,
how is possible that in less then a second I am a foreiger to my own home! or to be called hey tourist?
Pls Tanzanian wake up, is not yet late, I miss home a lot today and I have tiers while writting all this, I love my Tanzania!
Mungu Ibariki Tanzania, Ibariki viongozi wake, dumisha uhuru na umoja! hizi ni ngao zetu .........
In a great decision, the JK government has announced that it will allow dual citizenship once it has passed legislation through parliament. For those of us living in the Diaspora, this issue has been quite contentious. We have felt the humiliation and pain when we have been compelled to apply for a visa and pay a lot of money just to enter the our country of birth using the "raia wa nje" gate. Well done JK, you have achieved something really laudable despite the morons at UDSM.
I felt the pain and frustration of many of my countrymen in this blog. Now there is a reason to smile and hold our heads up as we enter the country that is really home.
Sorry I got it wrong and claimed that the Tanzanian Parliment has passed the dual nationality bill. Now that i know that it still has to be passed I am going to see our local MP and plea to him that he should vote for it to be passed.I urge all who has access to their local MPs to do the same.
Jay Patel, Tabora
I agree with you guys on the duo citizenship. I too live in Boston and I became an american citizen recently. I have my parents in Tanzania and most of my relatives are in tanzania. I send money monthly that help my parents and the tanzanian local market. in order for me to invest in tanzania which i still love I need Duo citizenship to pass in Tanzania just like it is allowed in many African countries thats why they have strong economies!! warren Kilonzo, Boston USA.
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