New UN chief commends Tanzania on good governance

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has praised Tanzania for upholding principles of good governance and create a peaceful environment in the region.

Mr Guterres made the remarks yesterday when he met with the minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga.

The minister met the UN boss on behalf of President John Magufuli at Julius Nyerere International Airport.

The SG was on transit to New York from Somalia and Kenya on a working visit.

Mr Guterres also commended President Magufuli’s efforts in the Burundi peace process, his readiness to host refugees and the role played by regional communities in resolving leadership crises in African countries.

“The United Nations appreciates the work being done by retired President Benjamin Mkapa in Burundi under the EAC and its leadership. If Africa comes together the way EAC has done in the case of Burundi, I am sure together they will be able to establish lasting solutions,” he remarked.

Delivering President Magufuli’s message to Mr Guterres, Dr Mahiga said as the chair of EAC, Tanzania was hopeful with the progress being made in the mediation process in Burundi under the leadership of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the facilitation of retired President Benjamin Mkapa.

In his special message, the Head of State also explained that the recent instability in the two countries had created refugees’ influx into Tanzania and its neighbours, adding that the region was committed to ensuring that political stability was restored in the tiny nation.

Tanzania is the current chair of the SADC organ of political, defence and security with the mandate to support the achievement and maintenance of peace and security and the rule of law in the region.