Tanzanians most secure people in EA

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation released a study that showed that Tanzania scored highly in both national and citizen’s personal security, an indication that the state is committing enough resources towards the safety of its people.

Tanzania scored 90 out of 100 in its national security, while Kenya came second in the region with 78.

Uganda, over a year after it suffered deadly twin bomb attacks by the Somali-based terror group, Al Shaabab, managed 72, Burundi 66, while Rwanda scored only 54.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 and aims at supporting good governance and great leadership in Africa.

Tanzania leads other East African Community members in ensuring that its citizens are secure, a new report has indicated.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation released a study that showed that Tanzania scored highly in both national and citizen’s personal security, an indication that the state is committing enough resources towards the safety of its people.

Tanzania scored 90 out of 100 in its national security, while Kenya came second in the region with 78. Uganda, over a year after it suffered deadly twin bomb attacks by the Somali-based terror group, Al Shaabab, managed 72, Burundi 66, while Rwanda scored only 54.

The study on national security covered such areas as cross-border tensions, domestic armed conflict and government involvement in armed conflict.

On people’s safety, Tanzania ranked high, scoring a fairly average mark of 49 with Kenya coming last with 31; Uganda had 46, Rwanda 40 and Burundi, 34.  

In addition to its dismal performance on citizen’s safety, Kenya’s business environment (57), said to be among the most vibrant in the region and attractive to international companies, was found wanting. Rwanda led in this category with 69 points. Tanzania came second with 63.  The good business climate in Rwanda has attracted investors.

Sadolin Paints group managing director, Salim Alibhai said, “It is the most business friendly country in the region. It is much easier to operate a business there than even Kenya.”

In the 2011 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Tanzania was again the top overall performer, coming in at position 13 out of the 53 African countries, excluding South Sudan which was not surveyed because it got Independence in July.

Last year, Tanzania beat the other four but was 16th in Africa. Uganda came second at 20 (24th last year), Kenya third at 23 (26th), Rwanda, 25 (31st) and Burundi 37 (33rd).

Mauritius maintained its first overall position emerging with 82 points, one less than last year’s.

Despite adopting a new, people friendly Constitution last year, Kenya could still not beat other states in the regional bloc to the first slot.

Kenya was let down by its poor showing in infrastructure development and ensuring personal safety— a category covering safety against domestic political persecution, social unrests, violent crimes, human trafficking.
Kenya was 26th in the last index and its slight improvement was lauded by the Governance Forum, an organisation keeping track of governance issues in the country.

The annual Ibrahim Prize, worth $5 million over 10 years and $200,000 a year for life for the winner, was awarded to former Cape Verde president Pedro Verona Pires.

The independent Prize Committee said Mr Pires had transformed the African country into a “model democratic country.”

The last winner was former Botswana President Festus Mogae in 2008. Inaugural awardees were Nelson Mandela (honorary laureate) and Joaquim Chissano (former Mozambique President) who won the Prize in 2007.