Dar taking seriously allegations associating some Turkish organizations operating in Tanzania with terrorist activities. .

Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Ambassador Augustine Mahiga told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday that Tanzania is studying allegations that some Turkish organisations operating in the country are linked to terrorist groups and has requested the government in Istanbul to furnish it with details so that the two countries can collaborate in establishing the truth before taking appropriate measures.

After the military coup attempt on July 15, the Turkish Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Yasemin Eralp, raised serious allegations associating some Turkish organizations operating in Tanzania with terrorist activities.

The envoy said that some rebels behind the coup belonged to an organisation, which operates in many countries, including Tanzania.

"We have a sizeable Turkish community conducting businesses in Tanzania. Business between the two countries has grown. Turkey has been accusing some of the companies conducting business here of financing opposition groups in its country."

According to him, the government normally conducts thorough scrutiny of foreign companies or institutions before issuing them with permits to operate in the country.

" We request the Turkish government through its embassy in Tanzania to provide us with details, which will help in evaluating the activities conducted by these groups in the country... the government needs sufficient evidence to prove whether the schools mentioned and other institutions are engaging in terrorist activities," Dr Mahiga insisted. The minister further said that the government of Tanzania was making close monitoring of its people in Turkey through its embassy in Rome.