Denmark has decided to withhold financial aid from Tanzania for anti- gay comments made by the commissioner for the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda.
The country being Tanzania’s second highest donor, has cited human rights concerns over how gay people are treated in Tanzania.
Denmark’s minister for development co-operation, Ulla Tornaes announced that human rights was paramount to Denmark, consequently effecting the decision to withhold 65 million Danish crowns ($9.88 million) from Tanzania.
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“I am very concerned about the negative development in Tanzania. Most recently the totally unacceptable homophobic statements from a commissioner I have therefore decided to withhold DKK 65m from the country. Respect for human rights is crucial for Denmark.” Ms Tornaes communicated on Twitter.
A statement made by Mr Makonda urging the public to report gay men to the police has caused the is what led to this decision.
Tanzania’s foreign ministry has however distanced itself from the statement, saying that it represented Mr Makonda’s personal views and not that of the country.
The Tanzanian government has also been criticized for infringing on some of their citizens rights.
The Tanzanian government has dismissed the criticism.
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