DAR ES SALAAM, (Reuters) – Tanzania’s government asked parliament yesterday to cancel a planned debate on corruption allegations in the energy sector, angering some lawmakers who complained of a cover-up and potentially jeopardising some foreign aid.
The east African nation has made big discoveries of natural gas, but its energy sector has long been dogged by allegations of corruption. Investors say graft is one of the main reasons for the high costs of doing business in Tanzania.
A group of 12 international donors have said they will only pay out outstanding pledges of budget support worth nearly $500 million if the findings of an investigation into the graft claims are published and appropriate action is taken.
Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said parliament should not debate the findings of the energy sector investigation by the chief auditor as this would interfere with ongoing court cases.
“Based on the principles of rule of law, when there is an ongoing court proceeding, we are constitutionally obliged … not to publicly debate that issue because it could jeopardise the court case,” Pinda told parliament on Thursday.
