September 14, 2016
BBC News Africa


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http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/9/14/348c2ea4-0ed0-4d2f-a73f-9bfe5b09e7d4.jpg]
AFP
Edward Lowassa was briefly arrested recently as political meetings are now
banned

Tanzania’s opposition leader Edward Lowassa has criticised his rival
President John Magufuli over what he referred to as “elements of
dictatorship” in the country.

Speaking to BBC's John Nene in Kenya, he said that he credited Mr Magufuli
with reducing bureaucracy in government but he said "some things have not
gone well" - though he refused to give specifics when asked.

Mr Lowassa used to be in the ruling party was once prime minister, but last
year he joined the opposition Chadema party, losing the presidential
election.

Mr Magufuli, nicknamed the "Bulldozer", has been known to make populist
decisions since coming to power last year, like cancelling independence day
celebrations to save money.

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AFP
President Magufuli has a no-nonsense attitude to getting things done

But his critics have accused him of cracking down on dissent.

A local paper deemed critical of him was recently shutdown and at least one
person has been arrested for allegedly abusing him on social media.

His government has also barred public and in-door political rallies.

A planned opposition protest against the government was postponed earlier
this month after religious leaders offered to mediate talks with the
government.

Mr Lowassa said the protest was about opposing "elements of dictatorship in
the government".

He told our reporter that he was optimistic about the talks but would not
say what the opposition would do if they failed.






-- 
Ann Marie

"The art of living consists of knowing what to pay attention to and what to
ignore."  -- Mardy Grothe

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