By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan solemnly announced the passing of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, a key figure in Tanzanian politics who led the Second Phase Government from November 5, 1985, to 1995.
President Mwinyi, born on May 8, 1925, in Kivule, Kisiju area, Mkuranga District, Coast Region of Tanzania, concluded his remarkable 98-year life journey on February 29, 2024, succumbing to lung cancer at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
In honor of his legacy, the national flag will fly at half-mast for seven days, commencing today. The funeral is scheduled for March 02, 2023, in Zanzibar, providing an opportunity for mourners to bid farewell at the Uhuru ground. The nation mourns the end of an era, reflecting on the impactful life of a leader who shaped Tanzanian politics.
Ali Hassan Mwinyi’s political career saw him serve in various capacities, starting with his affiliation with the Afro-Shiraz Party (ASP) in 1964. Over the years, he held key positions in Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania, including Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education, Minister of State in the Office of the President, Minister of Health, Minister of Home Affairs, Natural Resources, and Ambassador to Egypt. In 1984, he was elected as the President of Zanzibar and Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Mwinyi’s tenure as president faced economic challenges, and he implemented significant policy changes to stimulate growth. His leadership marked a departure from direct economic management, allowing the private sector to thrive. Mwinyi also played a pivotal role in reintroducing multi-party democracy and allowing private media, earning him the moniker “Mzee Rukhsa,” meaning ‘be free to trade uninterrupted.’
Despite the strides made during his leadership, Mwinyi faced criticism, particularly from Ujamaa conservatives, and was accused of contributing to the proliferation of corruption in Tanzania. In his autobiography, he candidly addressed the challenges, including the union rift, religious conflicts, drug abuse, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and student and worker strikes.
Mwinyi’s journey began with a commitment to education. At the age of 4, his father, Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, sent him to Zanzibar for religious education, envisioning him as a devout scholar. His educational path led him through Quranic studies in Mangapwani village, primary education at Mangapwani Primary School, and later Dole Middle School. Mwinyi excelled in his studies, consistently ranking among the top three students.
Teaching became his passion, and he excelled in Swahili. After ten years of teaching, Mwinyi pursued further studies in the United Kingdom, obtaining a teaching degree from Durham University and additional training at Hull University. Upon his return to Zanzibar, he became the Head of the Teacher Training College.
The political landscape changed with the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964, and Mwinyi found himself in leadership roles, contributing significantly to the newly formed United Republic of Tanzania. His diplomatic journey included serving as Tanzania’s Ambassador to Egypt.
The turning point in his political career came in 1984 during the ‘Zanzibar air turbulence,’ leading to his appointment as the President of Zanzibar. In 1985, Mwinyi assumed the presidency at a critical juncture, succeeding Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. He navigated economic challenges with determination, implementing changes that shaped Tanzania’s political and economic landscape.
As the nation mourns Mwinyi’s passing, his legacy remains woven into the fabric of Tanzanian history. His leadership, marked by resilience and a commitment to change, will be remembered. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared a seven-day mourning period, and Mwinyi is set to be laid to rest on March 2nd in Zanzibar.
Remarkably, with the passing of Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Former President Jakaya Kikwete stands as the last surviving leader from the era of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. The nation has bid farewell to President Nyerere on October 14, 1999, followed by President Benjamin Mkapa on July 24, 2020, and President John Magufuli on March 17, 2021.
Mwinyi’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving Kikwete as a living link to the transformative period in Tanzanian politics. The passing of these esteemed leaders reflects the passage of time and the evolution of Tanzania’s political landscape. The nation pays tribute to these influential figures, acknowledging their contributions to the development and shaping of Tanzania as it stands today.
