Social conservatism in Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda’s call in late October for Tanzanians to report members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) communities to authorities for arrest has brought social conservatism in Tanzanian politics into the spotlight. In early November, Denmark said it would withhold aid based on such policies, as well as wider human rights concerns, while the World Bank has insisted on mechanisms to allow pregnant schoolgirls to continue their education, as well as respect for LGBT persons, before releasing an education loan.
Tensions with Western donors will relate to policy unpredictability and erratic public financial management as much as illiberal tendencies.
Tanzania will remain a difficult place for women, girls and LGBT people, with fewer women in leadership roles, reversing past progress.
The wider onslaught on civil liberties will deepen political apathy, especially among youth, likely resulting in low voter turnout in 2020.
