Tanzania-The Political Odyssey of Edward Lowassa: A Chronicle of Joining and Departing from Chadema
February 14, 2024
By Adonis Byemelwa
The arrival of former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa to the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo party sparked controversy, signifying a pivotal moment in Tanzania's opposition history. This development triggered disagreement, prompting prominent figures like former Chadema Secretary General Wilbroad Slaa to distance themselves from these political changes.
In a political whirlwind on July 28, 2015, Chadema experienced a notable surge in members, stemming from a surprising source – CCM, Tanzania's ruling party.
However, as the calendar flipped to 2016, a reverse trend emerged, with individuals gradually retracing their steps back to their political origins.
By the time 2020 dawned, not a single member from the initial influx remained. The tale of this political migration unveils a captivating narrative of shifting loyalties and the ever-changing dynamics of Tanzanian politics.
The influx into Chadema in August 2015 was a result of the preliminary election process within CCM to select a presidential candidate. Edward Lowassa, a former Prime Minister, wielded considerable influence. However, he faced setbacks.
Lowassa, with his slogan "Journey of Hope," built high expectations among his followers, a large group within CCM, and many Tanzanians, that he would be the chosen CCM candidate for the presidency, eventually becoming the Fifth President.
He crafted an image of a powerful politician, creating a buzz with his activities. The way various groups, including religious leaders, emerged to persuade him to run, led some to claim it was all staged.
When warned by CCM's former Secretary of Ideology and Publicity, Nape Nnauye, about the surge of people urging him to run, Lowassa responded, "I cannot stop a flood with my hands." This earned him the nickname "Mzee wa Mafuriko" (The Elder of Floods).
Every move Lowassa made towards the Tanzanian presidency in 2015 was impactful. He distributed money to churches and mosques, and when questioned about the source, he simply said, "from friends." Hundreds of millions were involved.
The Sheikh Amri Abed Stadium overflowed when Lowassa declared his intention. Then planes and helicopters dotted the skies, buses adorned with Lowassa's pictures and the slogan "Journey of Hope," a procession of Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series turned the country's roads into a frenzy. Lowassa tirelessly sought sponsors.
Hundreds of thousands came forward to sponsor Lowassa. The sponsorship was overwhelming. Everything related to Lowassa and the presidency in 2015 had a significant impact, even when he was cut, leaving many astonished. It seemed impossible to cut him.
Because Lowassa was the 'owner' of the political buzz, especially regarding the presidency in 2015, when he announced his departure from CCM to join Chadema, it was a departure with a significant impact. CCM's top leaders and senior members followed him. You could call it a flood migration based on his statement.
Chadema's Chairman, Freeman Mbowe, greeted the former presidential candidate of the party, Edward Lowassa, during one of the party's internal meetings in 2015 leading up to the general election.
Lowassa was the one with the most impact. Those who refused to welcome him had to leave. Dr. Willibrod Slaa, the Secretary General of Chadema, stepped aside, allowing Lowassa to become the presidential candidate. Slaa objected to accepting Lowassa.
As the 2015 General Election approached, Chadema joined forces with CUF, NCCR-Mageuzi, and NLD, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Defenders of the People's Constitution (Ukawa), to nominate a joint presidential candidate. Lowassa was endorsed. CUF's Chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, resigned, though he later returned when he rescinded his resignation.
