By Adonis Byemelwa
Renowned advisor Elder Joseph Butiku, known for his longstanding association with former President Julius Nyerere, has once again expressed apprehensions about the declining standards within Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
In his open letter to the incumbent President, Butiku’s message begins with expressing support for the leader’s efforts in maintaining stability. However, he raises concerns about the declining popularity of the party, fearing that it could be linked to potential mistakes on the horizon.
Drawing from his experience as an assistant to Mwalimu Nyerere, Butiku highlights the tendency of leaders to receive overly positive reports, even during challenging times. Despite acknowledging the leader’s effective navigation through a challenging transitional period and commitment to rural development, Butiku warns that mistakes could overshadow these successes, leading to an erosion of trust in the party, the leader, and the government.
He emphasizes the crucial role of trust in political legitimacy, citing Mwalimu’s ability to maintain trust during economic challenges. Butiku identifies internal conflicts, mudslinging among leaders, and a perception of personal benefit as factors contributing to the declining trust, urging a course correction to avoid further damage.
“I am an adult, and I deeply respect you as my leader, and with that respect, I feel obligated to tell you the truth. Our party is showing signs of division. This division stems from personal interests. We witness and experience hired soldiers entering the fray, tarnishing leaders instead of addressing fundamental issues and questions raised by citizens on various matters. Efforts are being made to isolate you from fellow leaders, government officials, and some public servants, painting them as adversaries who wish you harm,” says Butiku.
The senior citizen expressed concern about a noteworthy power struggle within historical political factions, emphasizing that the leader was not previously involved in these internal conflicts. He raised alarm about certain business individuals taking advantage of the leader’s name, position, and even their child to establish not just a business empire but also a political one.
The former Mwalimu’s advisor reported instances where government tenders and incoming investors are allegedly being pressured to offer bribes or shares. Furthermore, he mentioned coercion tactics, with some being compelled to contribute to the 2025 election fund for a figure referred to as “Mama.” This information indicates a complex web of exploitation, potentially compromising the leader’s integrity and the political landscape.
This is not the first instance where Butiku has drawn attention to the erosion of fundamental principles and ethical standards within the party.
Interestingly, his letters on this matter gained significant traction on social media, prompting questions about whether veteran elders within a party might face challenges in fully grasping the dynamics of contemporary leadership.
These observations raise intriguing puzzles, particularly in light of comments made by former Mara Regional Commissioner, Ally Hapi. Hapi suggested that elders should refrain from meddling in the affairs of incumbent leaders, asserting that their time and ideas had run their course.
This perspective gained prominence as a defense of President Magufuli, who faced criticism from former CCM Secretary-General Abdulrahman Kinana and Yusup Makamba for his authoritative leadership and alleged disregard for senior party figures. The evolving dynamics between longstanding advisors and current leaders within the party continue to unfold.
Additionally, Butiku did not shy away from criticizing the government’s decision to enter a contract with the Dubai-based company DP-World to manage the Dar es Salaam port.
He emphasized that the principles guiding contracts and public procurement laws, as well as the core tenets of national cohesion against colonialism, were disregarded in this move.
These concerns underscore broader debates around governance, accountability, and adherence to established norms within the political landscape of Tanzania.Top of Form
At a crucial juncture in Tanzanian politics, Butiku’s recent letter to President Samia Suluhu Hassan sheds light on critical issues. The nation grapples with enduring power outages, escalating sugar prices, rising unemployment, and the formidable challenge of assimilating over 100,000 graduates into an uncertain job market annually.
The letter gains relevance in the context of Butiku’s likely dismay witnessing the erosion of principles laid down by the revered former President, Julius Nyerere, regarding astute leadership. As power outages plague the nation and unemployment escalates, the principles of ethical governance seem to be trapped in the political quagmire.
The current state of CCM has been marred by allegations of corruption and opulence. Former Tourism Minister Dr. Hamis Kigwangala accuses present leaders of owning lavish mansions in the affluent Masaki neighborhood, raising questions about the means used to amass such wealth, given their official salaries.
Kigwangala further contends that some ministers own mansions abroad. These allegations, fueled by Kigwangala on social media, have yet to be addressed or condemned by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Notably, the President has delegated the response to corruption allegations and governance issues to CCM Secretary of Publicity and Ideology, Paul Makonda. However, Makonda’s handling of these matters has triggered a backlash from within the party itself.
Amid these complex challenges, Elder Butiku’s open letter to the President not only holds profound significance but also hints at a potential rift within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Shared on social media platforms, the letter serves as more than advice; it unveils a nuanced perspective on the party’s internal dynamics.
It’s crucial to note that Elder Butiku, driven by a sense of duty and concern for the party’s well-being, explicitly states that he is not vying for any governmental or party position due to his advanced age. This selfless stance adds weight to his words, emphasizing that his motivation is rooted in a genuine desire to see the party prosper rather than personal gain.
The fact that a seasoned elder, who has dedicated decades to the party and served as an advisor to former President Julius Nyerere, finds it necessary to address these concerns publicly suggests that there might be underlying issues within the CCM. His decision to express his concerns openly is an indicator that, if such advice is ignored, something may be amiss in the party’s internal dynamics.
Additionally, the revelation of an Elders’ Council in almost all regions, particularly in Dar es Salaam, prompts questions about the reception of advice from these seasoned figures. If their counsel is consistently overlooked, as Butiku implies, it signals a need for CCM to realign itself and mend internal fences. Butiku’s letter subtly alludes to the potential consequences of dismissing such seasoned wisdom, indicating that ignoring the voices of party elders may lead to adverse effects on the party’s unity and cohesion.
Reflecting on recent political developments, particularly the trajectory of individuals like Ally Hapi, who initially spoke assertively about figures like Kinana and later found himself ousted from both politics and the system, offers a poignant lesson. Hapi’s shift to focus on agriculture after his departure from the political arena serves as a vivid illustration of the dynamic nature of political alliances and the possibility for redemption.
In the grand narrative of party politics, Butiku’s letter becomes a compelling chapter, reminding all stakeholders that even bad apples can transform, and those deemed good might not be immune to change. It beckons the party to introspect, reconcile, and forge a path forward that embraces both seasoned wisdom and the potential for renewal. The party’s future might hinge on its ability to learn from the past, navigate the present challenges, and cultivate a united front under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
