Tanzania supports Model Law on Access to Information: Hon Chikawe tells the AFRICAN cOMMISSION

Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mathias Chikawe seated with Mr. Nixon Ntimbwa, Director of Constitution and Human Rights at The Attorney Generals Chambers after the launch of the Model Law on Access to Information in Africa.

The Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mathias Chikawe, has told the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights that Tanzania fully supports the Model Law on Access to Information in Africa that has been prepared by the Commission for the purpose of assisting AU Member States as a guiding tool while enacting Access to Information Law in their countries.

While giving a statement on behalf of the Member States of the AU during the launch of the Model Law that took place on 12th April during the 53rd Ordinary Session of the Commission that is taking place in Banjul, The Gambia, Hon Chikawe said “The Model Law comes at an opportune moment when most of the African states are contemplating enacting this law in their own countries. It is opportune because transparency, and citizen participation has now become an important part of good governance”.

Hon Chikawe noted with concern that as of now, there are only 9 African counties namely Angola, Ethiopia, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe that have freedom and access to information laws in place, while Niger and Tunisia have actionable regulations.

He commended the efforts taken by Commissioner Pansy Tlakula who is the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information for preparing the Model Law which conforms to international standards and that the Model Law adequately covers all the basic tenets of right to access, disclosure, exemptions, classified information etc. and what's most important is that it is user friendly.

Hon Chikawe told the Commission that although Tanzania does not have the freedom of information law in place, there are Constitutional provisions which guarantee freedom of information to its citizens in general terms. He assured the Commission of Tanzania’s commitment to itself and to the International Community to enact the Access to Information Law in the near future and that Tanzania will be the first one to benefit from the Model Law.

Hon Chikawe urged other AU Member States who do not have Access to Information Law to use the Model law to eventually enact the same in their own countries.