Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz apologizes to Judiciary over remarks

Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz issued an apology to Tanzania’s judiciary on Monday after making remarks on June 26 that raised doubts about the independence of the country’s judiciary.

During a press conference at his residence in Dar es Salaam, Aziz stated: “No investor will invest in a country where if a case is sent to Kisutu (courts), a leader can call and instruct the courts what to do.”

In response, the Judges and Magistrates Association of Tanzania released a statement on Tues., July 4, demanding that Aziz either provide evidence supporting his allegations against the court or publicly apologize.

Addressing journalists, Rostam Aziz clarified that it was not his intention to undermine one of the pillars of the state and attributed his remarks to a slip of the tongue. “Because I recognize and respect the status and constitutional responsibility of the Court, I would like to say the following. I would like to assure the public that when I was talking about investment, it was not my intention to disrespect the Court,” he said.

Aziz further explained that his main objective was to discuss investments in the country, emphasizing that investors must adhere to proper procedures.

This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding the independence and integrity of Tanzania’s judiciary and underscores the importance of responsible public statements.

Aziz, one of Tanzania’s richest men, is the owner of Taifa Gas, the largest LPG distributor in East Africa.