The EU ambassador to Tanzania recalled to Brussels

In Tanzania, the reason for the departure of Roeland van de Geer, Dutch envoy of the European Union to this African country, raises questions. Local media reported Friday that the government of this East African country had asked the diplomat to leave. Another reading indicates that he was recalled by his employer for a meeting.

This experienced diplomat is the head of the EU diplomatic mission to Tanzania. He is also responsible for maintaining contacts with the East African Community (OAG).

According to a spokesman for the European Commission, Van de Geer was "recalled Friday in Brussels for consultation". The spokesman was not able to specify the reason for this visit to NRC . The AFP news agency announces that she will discuss the current situation in Tanzania next week in Brussels.

Criticism of Human Rights

Local Media The Citizen writes that Van de Geer flew Saturday night to the capital, Dar es Salaam. Sources say within the government that this is an ultimatum: he must leave the country within 24 hours.

In Tanzania, the repression of homosexual citizens, among others, intensifies. USAID even talks about "democratic decline". In February, the EU condemned the actions of the government of President Magufuli (in power since 2015) because of "recent incidents jeopardizing the values ​​and demobilizing rights of Tanzanians".

Van de Geer, who was previously also a Special Representative in the Great Lakes Region and EU Ambassador to South Africa, is known to be a "mature" diplomat more critical of human rights. from the man in the East. Countries of Africa.