Tanzanian discontent with Nyerere grows

Press, 2 March 1982, Page 8

Tanzanian discontent with Nyerere grows

NZPA-Reuter Nairobi The hijacking of an Tanzanian airliner to. Britain has highlighted what diplomats say is growing discontent and increasing political opposition to the Tanzanian President (Mr Julius Nyerere). The country faces serious economic difficulties and food shortages and is seeking international aid. The group that hijacked the Boeing 737 jet while on an internal flight demanded the resignation of President Nyerere who has led the country since independence in 1961. They claimed membership of the Revolutionry Youth Movement of Tanzania which Tanzanian security officials' say they have never heard of The hijackers tried to contact Oscar Kambona a former Tanzanian politician who was once considered to be an heir apparent to President Nyerere. He has been in exile in Britain for some years after a violent disagreement with the President and he claims to . lead a movement with many supporters inside Tanzania, as well as among Tanzanian exiles now living abroad. - Tanzanian officials deny Mr Kambona’s claim to represent the views of considerable numbers of people in that country. A combination of strong opposition to the forced “villagisation” bf the rural population a few years ■ ago and

increasing economic problems which ' have led to President Nyerere recently forecasting famine if substantial food aid is not quickly received have fuelled the opposition. A Tanzanian Action Front has circulated statements an- - nouncing its -campaign to overthrow President Nyerere. It cites arbitrary arrestsand 'detention without trial, suppression of legitimate expression, and deterioration of social services as some of the factors behind its campaign.' • ' ' “The empty shelves of shops in Independence Avenue in Dar-es-Salaam and the empty hungry stomaches of millions of Tanzanians have contributed as much towards the creation of TA.F. as have the' empty

slogans of the so-called Ujamaa (brotherhood) Socialism,” one of its statements said.

In February, 1977, reports from Arusha, northern Tanzania, said that a member of •his own bodyguard had fired several shots .at President Nyerere during a public rally without injuring him. The reports were never officially confirmed.

Soon afterwards, Tanzania closed its land border with neighbouring Kenya, after accusing Kenya of bringing about the downfall of the East African Community which then linked Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The community collapsed in mid--1977, and the border between the two countries is still closed. The border closure has cut contact between the two countries, and has virtually ended the movement of Kenyan goods, including the products of Kenya's well- . developed industry, to the Tanzanian market.

President Nyerere blames widespread drought for present food shortages in his country, but the absence of incentives to farmers and inefficiency in transport, distribution, and other systems have been cited by observers as equally important factors in the situation.

Last month, President Nyerere told the ruling revolutionary party that it could take five years for Tanzania to overcome its present economic problems.