Kenya's President William Ruto has made a public apology to Tanzania, responding to diplomatic tensions sparked by the recent deportation of East African activists. Ruto’s remarks come in the wake of accusations from Tanzanian officials regarding cyberbullying and disrespect by Kenyans towards Tanzania's sovereignty.
Kenya's President Offers Apology to Tanzania Amid Deportation Tensions
Kenya's President Offers Apology to Tanzania Amid Deportation Tensions
In a bid to mend diplomatic ties, President Ruto addresses recent tensions following the deportation of activists.
In a national prayer breakfast, Ruto stated, “To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” acknowledging growing concerns around the treatment of activists such as Kenyan Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire, who reported mistreatment during their detention in Tanzania. This incident has heightened online tensions, with citizens from both countries clashing on social media over the situation.
The diplomatic spat arose after Tanzanian security detained and subsequently deported several activists attending the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Both Kenya and Uganda have protested against the handling of their nationals, claiming a lack of consular access. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has strongly maintained that her country will not permit outsiders to disrupt internal matters.
The public feud in social media has escalated, with Tanzanian parliament members voicing frustration over the cyberbullying of their president. Despite the tension, some Tanzanian MPs have expressed positive dialogue prospects, inviting Kenyan youths to engage in constructive discussions online.
Both nations aim to foster a spirit of neighbourly cooperation, with hopes for better relations moving forward, demonstrating mutual respect amidst ongoing challenges in activism and political expression in the region.
The diplomatic spat arose after Tanzanian security detained and subsequently deported several activists attending the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Both Kenya and Uganda have protested against the handling of their nationals, claiming a lack of consular access. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has strongly maintained that her country will not permit outsiders to disrupt internal matters.
The public feud in social media has escalated, with Tanzanian parliament members voicing frustration over the cyberbullying of their president. Despite the tension, some Tanzanian MPs have expressed positive dialogue prospects, inviting Kenyan youths to engage in constructive discussions online.
Both nations aim to foster a spirit of neighbourly cooperation, with hopes for better relations moving forward, demonstrating mutual respect amidst ongoing challenges in activism and political expression in the region.
