The International Federation of Human Rights leagues (FIDH) and its organization
member, the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC), are most pleased with the
Agreement of 10th October 2001 between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the
main opposition party in Zanzibar (CUF).
As stipulated in the recommendations of the FIDH/LHRC report published in May 2001
"Zanzibar: Wave of Violence”, we welcome in particular the agreement between the CCM
and the CUF to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the violations of
January 2001, to compensate the victims, to reform the Zanzibar Electoral Commission
and the Constitution, and to train the police in human rights.
This agreement reinforces human rights, the rule of law, and democracy in Tanzania. We
encourage all steps in this direction and we are prepared to provide any assistance within
our resources with regard to the implementation of the agreement, in particular in training
police and security forces.
We also welcome the Agreement’s provisions to reform the judiciary, the media, the
holding of by-elections and humanitarian assistance to victims of families. It is
encouraging that refugees are returning to Tanzania and that some political prisoners have
been released.
However, we strongly urge that all efforts be taken as soon as possible to ensure the
implementation of the Agreement, and that no obstacle, be it political or legislative,
obstruct its realization.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Kijo-Bisimba,
LHRC Executive Director
Sidiki Kaba,
FIDH President