The Guardian: Rampant Corruption in Tanzania Keeps Fruits of the Many in Hands of the Few

Fears are growing that endemic graft in Tanzania will deny the majority of its people a fair share of the wealth generated by the country’s natural gas riches.

In Dar es Salaam, framed posters of Tanzania’s president, Jakaya Kikwete, top the list of street-side bestsellers, outstripping images of Pope Francis, Jesus, Barack Obama and the country’s founding father, Julius Nyerere.

It is no real surprise given that all government offices are expected to have a picture of the president hanging prominently on the walls.

However, in this peaceful yet poor east African nation, poster seller Yanga Idrissa says that if he wants to get his Kikwete posters on official walls, a certain degree of sharp practice is required. He must be ready to undercut competitors, and bribe officials – and falsify receipts on their behalf – enabling them to claim bogus expenses. Even when selling to a police station.

Read the full article HERE.