Tanzania :CCM Secretary’s Convoy Involved in Multiple Vehicle Collisions in Mtwara

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam:  February 11, 2024 - A convoy of cars belonging to the Secretary of Ideology, Publicity, and Training of the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Paul Makonda, was involved in a major accident in the Sululu ward of Masasi district, Mtwara Region.

The incident occurred today, Sunday, February 11, 2024, at noon and involved more than 10 vehicles colliding at the rear end in an area with a dusty road segment.

An eyewitness, Kefa Emily, stated that after the convoy reached the location, the leading car reduced its speed due to dust, leading to collisions among the following vehicles, which were speeding.

"The front car slowed down, but those behind were moving fast, unaware that their colleague had reduced speed. That's when they started colliding, each one hitting the other," said Emily, a CCM member.

According to Mtonga, the Chairwoman of the CCM Women's League (UWT) in the Tandahimba District, Arafa Nakatanda, and the party's secretary in the same district, Jafari Hassan, were injured and have been hospitalized.

Some vehicles, including Makonda's, reportedly did not sustain significant damage in the accident.

Efforts to reach the Mtwara Regional Police Commander, Nicodemus Katembo, for the cause of the accident were unsuccessful. Katembo responded, "I was ahead of the convoy; I can't determine the cause of the accident. Wait for our investigation; I will inform you."

Makonda's convoy was heading from Songea District to Dar es Salaam after the party announced the suspension of its tour in Lindi and Mtwara regions, among the 20 regions, to join the nation in mourning the death of former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa.

Makonda, addressing the recent developments, emphasized the need to address weaknesses in various sectors, promising to submit a comprehensive report to the President.

The current style of the CCM Secretary's operations has raised questions about who he is fighting against. Contrary to expectations of targeting opposition parties, Makonda has been critical of fellow CCM members, and government officials, including ministers, and even hinted at internal issues within the ruling party.

Recent statements by Makonda, challenging the status quo within the government and the party, indicate an undercurrent of discontent and a desire for reform. However, opinions on the effectiveness and appropriateness of his methods are divided.

While some see Makonda's approach as a way to strengthen CCM by addressing issues directly, others believe it may create internal divisions and undermine the established systems of governance. The Secretary's confrontational stance towards both the opposition and elements within his party has sparked debate about his true intentions and the impact on CCM's unity.

Political analysts have noted similarities between Makonda's current style and that of Nape Nnauye, a former CCM Secretary of Ideology and Publicity, suggesting that Makonda's actions may be a continuation of a trend within the party.

Makonda's extensive nationwide tours, coupled with his direct approach to problem-solving, have garnered both support and criticism.

While some argue that he is effectively addressing grassroots issues, others question the sustainability of such an approach and call for the establishment of robust institutional mechanisms for issue resolution.

Critics have accused Makonda of misusing government funds for his tours and argue that his interventions may not be effective in the long run.

 The Secretary's high-profile confrontations with government officials have also led to debates about the limits of his authority and whether his actions align with the principles of good governance.

The recent incident involving Paul Makonda's convoy has reignited concerns about the use of taxpayers' money for political activities.

Bowdlerizes maintains that the extensive and lavish convoy, marked by vehicles with government plate numbers, raises questions about the misuse of public funds.

The convergence of party and government expenditures has long been a contentious issue, with calls for a clear separation since the advent of the multiparty system in 1992.

Many citizens are expressing dissatisfaction with the blurred lines between party and government resources, viewing it as a form of embezzlement.

The incident involving Makonda's convoy adds fuel to the ongoing debate on the need for transparency and accountability, urging a reevaluation of the way public funds are allocated and spent in the context of Tanzania's evolving political landscape.