Tanzania, Sept. 2 -- Dar es Salaam. A nation must have critics. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously remarked that while criticism may not be agreeable, it remains necessary.

Critics ought to be protected, even if their criticism is unappealing, provided they operate strictly within the law.

Criticism is essential feedback. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates attributed his success to feedback, noting: "We all need people who will give us feedback. That is how we improve."

Equally, a nation desperately needs advisers and mediators. It is impossible for a country to be permanently split into two opposing factions, where one side only generates heat while the other's sole function is to defend itself or retaliate.

There ...