November 19, the mainstream media Daily News in Tanzania published an opative article by George Mentu, a Tanzanian political expert, entitled “Western countries should follow China’s example and do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries”.
The main contents of the article are as follows:
On October 1 this year, the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania issued a strong statement saying that if the Tanzania election process is not followed, the United States will not hesitate to let those who act by force or undermine the democratic process bear the consequences.
A week later, U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo spoke again on elections in African countries, saying that the United States will closely monitor the democratic process in African countries and consider sanctions such as visa restrictions on those responsible for election violence.
In contrast, China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs in the Tanzanian election. A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that China believes that the Tanzanian government and people have the wisdom and ability to organize elections, and calls on all countries to abide by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, support the independence of African countries, and maintain the unity and stability of African countries.
China adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, which is essential for maintaining friendly relations among countries. The principle of non-interference in internal affairs is conducive to the development of economic and trade relations and practical cooperation among countries, which is particularly important for poor and developing countries.
At the same time, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries does not mean not paying attention to the democracy, freedom and human rights situation in the country concerned, but believing that the country concerned should play a leading role in advancing the cause of democracy and human rights in the country.
For many years, Western countries have been keen to interfere in other domestic affairs, especially electoral affairs. These interventions often lead to frequent violent conflicts, social stratification and the spread of hatred in the countries concerned.
Take the situation in West Asia and North Africa after the Arab Spring as an example. Under the intervention of Western countries, many governments in the region were overthrown, resulting in national division, instability, ineffective governance, and rising terrorist threat. Western intervention is neither moral nor legal.
African countries are independent and sovereign countries, and other countries have no right to interfere in our internal affairs. We don’t need anyone, any country to give orders on the choice of leaders.
We sincerely warn the United States and the West to follow China’s example, abide by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and respect the right of African countries to explore a democratic path in line with their national conditions.
