Tanzania continues to play a critical role in the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and hosts the East African Court of Justice and the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha. The country has witnessed a marked decline in respect for free expression, association and assembly thus far. Rhetorical attacks on rights by authorities are increasingly accompanied by implementation of repressive laws and the harassment and arrest of journalists, opposition members and critics. Self-censorship and fear of reprisals have stifled criticism. Under the leadership of John Magufuli, the long-standing ruling party, the Party of the Revolution (CCM), retains a firm grip on power.
On a more positive note, the government outlined ambitious plans to improve public sector efficiency and boost living standards, but fiscal limitations persist. Meanwhile inconsistent policymaking, particularly on trade, deters investment. Nonetheless, medium-term economic prospects remain fairly strong, supported by a growing services industry and planned public investments in infrastructure.
