“It is not shrinking, ngos need unlimited freedom”: Government Stance on the Perceived Shrinkage of Civic Space in Tanzania

Abstract The space for progressive civil society organizations’ autonomous operations has reportedly been shrinking globally. The literature widely associates this shrinkage with the growing trend of authoritarianism worldwide. However, what has been the government’s stance on the perceived reasons for the shrinkage of civic space? This article examines the government’s stance regarding reasons for the perceived shrinkage of civic space with experiences from Tanzania. The paper further investigates the implications of the government’s stance on the autonomous operations of ngo s and the realization of their potential contribution to governance and development processes. The data were collected through interviews and document review. The findings revealed that the government thinks the space is changing and wants to ensure that ngo s comply with operational guidelines. It has also been making every effort to improve civic space. Also, the government opines that ngo s’ roles affect their space. On this, the blurred line between advocacy roles and politics limits the space specifically for advocacy and human rights-based ngo s because it is thought they are doing politics. This makes advocacy and human rights ngo s more confined than service-based ngo s, which do not criticize the government. The government’s opinion regarding advocacy and human rights ngo s affects their operations. The study recommends that the government consider changing its perception regarding advocacy roles. Also, the government’s commitment to improve the operational environment has to be appreciated and kept for improving ngo operations.