Tanzanian MP Mpina Suspended in Political Turmoil; President Samia’s Extensive Travel Draws Criticism

By Adonis Byemelwa

Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina, representing CCM, has been suspended from attending 15 parliamentary sessions until November 2024. Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson, announced that Mpina will not attend five sessions of the current budget session starting today, and he will also miss the nine sessions scheduled for September. The suspension includes one session in November 2024, after which he will be allowed to attend the second session of that month.

As well, Speaker Ackson stated that Mpina is prohibited from entering parliamentary premises or engaging in any parliamentary activities. The decision was reached today, Monday, June 24, 2024, following a report by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Privileges, Ally Makoa. The committee found Mpina guilty of contempt against the Speaker's authority and for disrupting parliamentary proceedings.

The decision to suspend Mpina for 15 sessions was voted on by the majority of MPs. Dr. Tulia, after a parliamentary debate, initially proposed a 10-session suspension as recommended by the committee. However, a majority of MPs voted for a 15-session suspension.

No MPs supported the proposal to extend the suspension to 20 sessions. Following the announcement, Speaker Ackson instructed Mpina to gather his belongings and leave the parliamentary chamber.

The suspension follows an order by Speaker Tulia on June 4, 2024, for Mpina to provide evidence supporting his allegations against Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe. Mpina had accused Bashe of lying in parliament and violating the law. Mpina submitted his evidence on June 14, 2024, and subsequently spoke to the media about it, a move that was deemed disrespectful by the Speaker and the parliamentary committee.

Speaker Ackson referred the matter to the Committee on Ethics on June 18, 2024, for Mpina's actions of releasing unreviewed evidence to the public. The committee reviewed the evidence and concluded that Mpina's accusations against Minister Bashe were unfounded.

Several MPs expressed their support for severe punishment against Mpina. MPs Joseph Kasheku 'Musukuma' of Geita Rural and Livingstone Lusinde of Mvumi suggested referring the matter to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of CCM, scheduled to meet on June 30, 2024.

 Musukuma noted that this was not Mpina's first instance of disrespecting parliamentary procedures. As a former Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Mpina had previously directed ministry officials to measure fish with rulers in the parliamentary canteen, an incident for which he later apologized.

Other MPs, including Vuma Augustine (Kasulu Rural), Hamis Tabasamu (Sengerema), Godwin Kunambi (Mlimba), Katani Katani (Tandahimba), Mariam Ditopile (Special Seats), Elibariki Kingu (West Singida), Tauhida Gallos (Special Seats), Cecilia Pareso (Special Seats), Prof. Patrick Ndakidemi (Moshi Rural), and Josephat Gwajima (Kawe), also called for Mpina to apologize to the parliament.

The Committee on Rights, Ethics, and Privileges stated that Mpina's actions of discussing the evidence he presented to the Speaker with the media disrespected the Speaker's authority and parliamentary procedures, bringing the parliament into disrepute.

In related developments, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been criticized for the extensive international travel she has undertaken since assuming office on March 19, 2021.

She has made 59 international trips across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America but has not visited South America, Australia, or Antarctica.

These trips have been scrutinized for their financial implications, with critics arguing that the benefits do not justify the expenses, particularly given Tanzania's economic challenges.

President Samia’s frequent travels have been contrasted with the travel practices of other leaders, such as King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, who makes only three state visits annually despite the Netherlands having a significantly higher GDP than Tanzania.

 Critics argue that the resources spent on these trips could be better utilized domestically to address pressing economic and social issues.

On July 4, 2023, at the State House in Dodoma, President Samia met with the EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Manfredo Fantl, to witness the signing of three agreements worth Sh455 billion to support Tanzania's 2023/2024 budget.

 This assistance underscores Tanzania's reliance on external funding, contrasting sharply with the high expenditure on international trips by Tanzanian officials.

Critics of President Samia's administration have called for a new constitution and political reform, arguing that reducing the president's extensive powers and fostering accountable governance would lead to more sustainable development. They also highlight the need for leaders like Mpina to focus on practical issues rather than engaging in fruitless activism.

Detractors argue that President Samia's 59 international trips since taking office are excessive, especially given Tanzania's economic situation. They point out that Tanzania's GDP stands at Sh79.61 trillion, while the poverty rate is 26%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In contrast, the Netherlands, with a GDP of Sh1.14 trillion and a poverty rate of 0.30%, sees its king traveling abroad only seven times in three years, with each trip yielding significant benefits.

Critics emphasize the discrepancy between Tanzania's heavy expenditure on international travel and its dependence on foreign aid.

They note that in 2022, the Netherlands contributed €10 billion to the EU budget and received about €1 billion for joint management projects, while Tanzania, heavily reliant on aid, continues to spend lavishly on overseas trips. They argue that such resources could be better utilized domestically.

The meeting between President Samia and the EU Ambassador in July 2023, where Sh455 billion in aid was secured, highlights Tanzania's dependence on foreign assistance. Critics argue that without a new constitution and political reforms, including reducing the president's extensive powers, Tanzania will struggle to achieve sustainable development.

Overall, the situation underlines the complexities and challenges within Tanzanian politics, where issues of governance, accountability, and ethical conduct continue to be hotly debated. Critics argue for a more focused and accountable leadership that prioritizes national development over international exposure, suggesting that without such changes, Tanzania's progress will remain hindered by inefficient governance and misplaced priorities.