Islamic higher council asks Tanzania to adhere to OIC

The higher council of islamic institutions and organizations of Tanzania recommended to the Tanzanian government to adhere to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to benefit fully from the Islamic organization's assistance, reported the pan-African news agency PANA.

The council secretary general, Haj Abbas Kilima was quoted by the Dar-Essalam-based newspaper "Annur" as saying during a symposium that the OIC goals are development oriented. "It is true that the OIC is a religious organization, but it seeks development goals, mainly in the fields of health and education... the OIC goals are crystal clear and are mainly humanitarian," Haj Abbas said.

Tanzania refused to become member of the OIC as its constitution stipulates the secular nature of the State.

Haj Abbas discarded the fear expressed by some who claim that Islamic law will be imposed in the long run to all OIC members. The fear is the result of a deliberate disinformation campaign, he said deeming that there is not "one single valid reason" that can justify Tanzania's hesitation to adhere to the OIC.

Half the 30 million strong tanzanian population is muslim and constitutes the largest muslim community in a country in the region.

Uganda which has a smaller muslim community than Tanzania is member of the OIC, notes PANA.

Tanzania benefits from the financial backing of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), through a special account to the benefit of muslim communities and associations in non-member countries. Some 140 tanzanians were granted IDB scholarships during the past 14 years.