Tanzania:President Samia’s Hands-On Approach Clashes with Party Official, Exposes Governance Challenges.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a surprising move, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan today 13^th March 2024, expressed her satisfaction with the Ministry of Land's proactive efforts to address citizens' grievances promptly. The President commended Minister Jerry Silaa's leadership for personally engaging with the people to resolve land disputes on the spot, emphasizing the critical role of land as the foundation of wealth and happiness for Tanzanians.

However, this commendable initiative appears to clash with recent statements made by Paul Makonda, the Secretary of the National Executive Committee of the ruling CCM Party. Makonda declared that President Samia had designated one day each month to personally listen to individual citizens' grievances. This announcement follows a warning from the Attorney General, Eliezer Feleshi, cautioning against citizens taking legal matters to Makonda, emphasizing the separation of powers outlined in the CCM constitution.

The tension within the Tanzanian leadership deepens as Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa takes swift action, directing the arrest of a finance officer implicated in embezzlement. This move raises questions about the effectiveness of local authorities and the need for national leaders to intervene in governance matters. The Prime Minister's authority to identify corruption cases across the country adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the concentration of power within the presidency.

Political analyst General Ulimwengu critiques the leadership vacuum, pointing out that citizens are led by unaccountable leaders, echoing a colonial-era dynamic where district heads controlled citizens without accountability. The situation is exacerbated by the perception, instilled during the Magufuli government, that only the President can solve problems, creating a reliance on the executive branch for issue resolution.

Makonda's insistence on the President's exclusive role in problem-solving is reflected in his announcement of citizens presenting their grievances directly to President Samia, bypassing established institutional channels. The move is presented as a tribute to the late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, raising concerns about the erosion of institutional frameworks and the potential sidelining of existing channels for conflict resolution.

As we delve into the complexities of Tanzania's leadership dynamics, questions arise about the efficacy of local government officials and political leaders in addressing citizens' concerns. Despite the ruling CCM's overwhelming victory in the 2019 local government elections, concerns persist about the fairness of the electoral process. Deputy Chairman of CCM (Mainland), Abdulrahman Kinana, acknowledges the need for free and fair elections moving forward, reflecting on the criticisms surrounding the previous polls.

Amid a perceived leadership vacuum, national leaders find themselves entangled in governance matters, as illustrated during Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa's recent visit. The Prime Minister took decisive action, directing the Police Commander of Mara Region to arrest Saad Mutunzi Ishabailu, the Finance and Accounting Officer of the Serengeti District Council.

 The accusations stem from the alleged transfer of TZS 213,748,085 in four installments through internal transfers, in collaboration with officials from the Office of the President (Regional Administration, and Local Government), for personal use. The Prime Minister swiftly ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the accused, shedding light on governance challenges at the local level.

This incident follows the Magufuli government's centralization of local government finances, fostering a perception among citizens that all funds originate from the President, portrayed as a benevolent figure. Despite being taxpayer money, the centralization elevates the President to a god-like status, fostering trust among citizens that only the Head of State can effectively address their problems, sidelining other branches of government.

Leaders appointed by the President at various levels are increasingly seen as mere extensions of the executive branch, tasked solely with executing duties. The growing intervention of President Samia in personally addressing citizen grievances raises questions about the efficacy of elected leaders fulfilling their roles. The crucial inquiry remains: in the face of leadership failures, what actions have been taken against these officials?

President Samia's hands-on approach, perceived as an effort to connect with the people and garner sympathy, brings forth the need for concrete solutions to citizens' problems. With the ruling CCM holding full authority, citizens eagerly anticipate actions that fulfill promises made during the 2020 general elections, seeking tangible results rather than another platform for expressing grievances.

The recent arrest order by the Prime Minister underscores the broader governance challenges facing Tanzania. It prompts a critical examination of the concentration of power, the effectiveness of local leaders, and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address systemic issues. As citizens await accountability measures against erring officials, the nation stands at a crossroads, balancing the aspirations of a connected leadership with the demands for transparent governance and effective problem-solving.Top of Form

The current governance structure, with a strong emphasis on individual leaders, raises concerns about sustainability and accountability. The President, although entrusted by citizens, is a temporal institution, necessitating a shift towards building institutional systems that empower citizens to address their concerns through established channels. Constitutional changes that strengthen institutional frameworks at all levels are crucial to ensure a balanced distribution of power and accountability.

Tanzania stands at a crossroads, grappling with a leadership dilemma that oscillates between individualized approaches and the need for robust institutional systems. As citizens await actions that match promises, the debate surrounding the concentration of power and the role of leaders in governance takes center stage. The trajectory the nation chooses will determine not only its immediate political landscape but also the foundations upon which future governance will be built.