Tanzanian Political Landscape Shifts: CCM Appoints New Secretary-General Amidst Global Concerns”

By Adonis Byemelwa

In the wake of escalating international concerns over Tanzania's shift towards authoritarianism, the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), on Monday, January 15, 2024, appointed Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi as its new Secretary-General.

This decision follows the resignation of Mr. Daniel Chongolo in November and has been unanimously endorsed by the party's National Executive Council (NEC) during a meeting chaired by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The appointment of Dr. Nchimbi comes at a critical juncture for Tanzania, grappling with allegations of widespread corruption, exploitation of natural resources, and the erosion of democratic values within the ruling regime.

A recent joint audit report by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has uncovered significant financial losses in state-owned enterprises due to corrupt practices, prompting President Samia's decisive actions, including the dismissal of the Tanzania Government Flight Agency and dissolution of the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) board.

The audit reveals systemic problems, such as the President's Office, Regional Administration, and Local Government Tanzania (PO-RALG) making payments without deducting required taxes and violating procurement regulations.

President Samia's calls for a review of the multitude of state-owned entities, questioning the necessity of over 200, emphasize the need for efficiency and economic contribution.

Mismanagement of funds, highlighted in the audit, includes over $33 million poorly spent by various government institutions, with prominent entities like the University of Dar es Salaam, Medical Supply Department (MSD), National Housing Corporation (NHC), and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) implicated.

Corruption scandals within the police force, military-associated organizations, and key government institutions raise concerns about Tanzania's investment destination status.

Specific examples include Lugalo Hospital, linked to Tanzania's military, failing to deduct withholding tax, resulting in a loss of $7,209. The hospital also violated procurement regulations, making purchases outside the Tanzanian National e-Procurement System, totaling around $2 million.

Corrupt practices by public servants cost the Tanzanian government $178 million in interest payments due to delays in payments or contracts.

State-owned enterprises failing to make timely payments to contractors accumulated interest, necessitating taxpayers to cover an additional $17.8 million.

In response to these revelations, reforms targeting loss-making public institutions, local government authorities, and agencies providing business loans are underway.

Some state-owned corporations will be disbanded, while others will be restructured to enhance efficiency and attract private-sector investment.

The controversial 2020 national election and subsequent events, including the untimely death of President John Pombe Magufuli and the ascension of Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, have intensified concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.

Skepticism surrounds the Reconciliation dialogues between the opposition party Chadema and CCM, accusing the ruling party of employing strategic charades, dismissing significant inputs, and stifling genuine electoral reforms.

Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe's announcement of nationwide protests on January 24th, 2024, triggered a militarized response from CCM, raising fears of potential violence and intimidation.

The international community is urgently called upon to take immediate and decisive action, recognizing the gravity of the crisis and offering robust support for democratic voices in Tanzania.

This situation underscores how a facade of democracy can obscure an authoritarian regime's abuses, from electoral fraud to the suppression of human rights.

The international response must extend beyond mere condemnation to include targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for violations, support for Tanzanian civil society organizations, and advocacy for the restoration of fundamental freedoms.

The upcoming January 24th demonstrations represent a pivotal moment for Tanzania, necessitating global leaders, human rights organizations, and international bodies to stand in solidarity with the Tanzanian people in their fight for democracy, justice, and human rights.

The fragility of democracy is glaring, demanding constant vigilance and support from the international community to send a resounding message that such disregard for democratic principles and human rights will not be tolerated.

In addition to political developments, a recent two-day seminar informed CCM members about key national projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, the Standard Gauge Railway project, and the progress of the John Magufuli Bridge.

These projects were discussed in the context of the party's preparations for civic polls later in the year and the upcoming 47th anniversary of CCM on February 5, 2024.

Born on December 24, 1971, Dr. Nchimbi's educational journey includes primary schooling at Oysterbay Primary School and secondary education at Uru Secondary School and Sangu Secondary School.

He pursued advanced secondary education at Forest Hill Secondary School in Mbeya and later enrolled at the Institute of Development Management (IDM-Mzumbe) in Morogoro for an advanced diploma in public administration from 1994 to 1997.

Between 2001 and 2003, Dr. Nchimbi pursued a master's degree in banking and finance at Mzumbe University, followed by PhD studies at the same university from 2008 to 2011.

His extensive political career includes roles as the CCM member of the NEC in 1997, CCM youth wing (UVCCM) chairperson in 1998, and various ministerial positions, such as Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Sports, Minister of Labour, Employment and Youth Development, and Minister of Information, Culture, Sports, and Youths.

The narrative also highlights Dr. Nchimbi's service as the Minister of Home Affairs between 2012 and 2013, where he was dismissed due to alleged failure to inform the government about Operesheni Tokomeza Ujangili, a national fight against poaching.

Dr. Nchimbi's return to domestic politics, following his diplomatic assignments and reshuffle of Tanzanian envoys in 2023, raises questions about the timing and significance of his appointment as the new Secretary-General.

This development becomes a focal point in the ongoing struggle for democracy, justice, and human rights in Tanzania.

The overarching narrative emphasizes the urgency of international intervention and the need for global leaders, human rights organizations, and international bodies to closely monitor developments in Tanzania.

The appointment of Dr. Nchimbi adds a nuanced layer to the political landscape, prompting a comprehensive examination of Tanzania's political trajectory amidst growing global concerns.