Tanzania has denied reports that it intends cracking down on gays by arresting suspects.
The governor of Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda told reporters last week that rounding up of gays will begin on Monday.
But the country’s foreign ministry on Sunday said the governor’s claims do not represent the government’s stance.
There are concerns among foreigners living in the country that they could be targeted by officials.
The US government for instance warned its citizens living in Tanzania to remove “images and language that may run afoul of Tanzanian laws regarding homosexual practices and explicit sexual activity”.
Tanzania’s foreign ministry however said “Mr Makonda was only airing his personal opinion which does not represent the official position of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The United Republic of Tanzania will also continue to respect and uphold all human rights as provided for in the country’s constitution.”
Meanwhile the European Union (EU) has recalled its ambassador in Tanzania to Brussels for talks.
The EU says it is unhappy with the state of human rights in the East African country.
In a statement, the EU said it “regrets the deterioration of the human rights and rule of law situation in the country and will be conducting a broad review of its relations with Tanzania”.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Tanzania, just like in many African countries.
Source: Africafeeds.com
