CA committees recommend duo citizenship

Paul Kimiti

Members of the Constituent Assembly (CA) have agreed that duo citizenship should be allowed but called for a comprehensive law to govern it citing national security concerns.

Briefing reporters on Wednesday, most of all Committee Chairpersons said their members are for duo citizenship mainly because of the related economic advantages and more so to allow who Tanzanians who lost their citizenships before to now regain their legal status here and abroad.

Chairperson of Committee number 12, Paul Kimiti said that, when discussing the issue (covered in Chapter five of the draft constitution) members of his committee said duo citizenship is much more advantageous than any risks posed. “Most members have allowed it,” he said.

“However, they have cautioned that it is not supposed to be automatic but proposed special procedures to be followed to govern and monitor it,” he said.

The development comes in the wake of an earlier submission of a formal document to the Constituent Assembly asking its committee members to extensively discuss the issue of dual citizenship.

Submission of the letter was confirmed by CA clerk Yahya Khamis, who said the document was presented through a Presidential appointee to the body, Kadari Singo, who is an expert on the subject. Khamis detailed that until noon on Tuesday, three CA committees were still debating the matter but most of the other committees had already discussed the issue and submitted their recommendations.

He was however keen to note that: “The issue of dual citizenship is a very contentious one, members had divergent views…there are those who support it while others opposed it fearing that some people might use the opportunity to commit crimes in Tanzania and spirit away overseas.” “There were also those who said dual citizenship must be allowed, but with conditions and stringent laws to control people getting it,” he added.

While in Washington DC early this month, President Jakaya Kikwete advised the Diaspora that the ongoing constitution making process was the opportune time for Tanzanians in the Diaspora to press for dual citizenship.

In a press statement released at that time by the Directorate of Presidential Communication, the President said he believes that the Diaspora community can build a strong argument in favour of dual citizenship.

The President also pressed for better use of social media platforms, but advised that for vital discussions that will guide the future of the nation, like the constitution review, the Diaspora should employ other more direct methods – including using the ongoing Constitution review debate.

Addressing Tanzanians in Washington DC, President Kikwete said it was vital for every Tanzanian to participate in the Constitution review process. He said its outcome will affect every citizen, whether living in the country or abroad.

He said failure to take part in the discussions and debates was to forgo ones’ civil rights and giving up the power and freedom to express opinions and cause change.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN