Tanzania:Mnyika Dismisses Resignation Rumors as ‘Fabricated Lies’ in Chadema’s Leadership Crisis

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a digital storm swirling with controversy, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) faces mounting turbulence as allegations of Secretary General John Mnyika’s resignation capture headlines.

This falsehood was thrust into the limelight on social media on Thursday, August 22, 2024, just two weeks after Mnyika was brutally beaten by police in Mbeya while attempting, with fellow party members, to commemorate International Youth Day on August 12, 2024.

 The party has since filed a case against the perpetrators of this grievous assault, intensifying the drama surrounding their leadership crisis.

The allegations, which quickly spread across various platforms, suggested that Mnyika had stepped down due to severe internal conflicts within the party. However, in an exclusive conversation with The Respondent online Blog, Mnyika categorically denied these claims, calling them "fabricated lies" designed to destabilize both his reputation and the party.

“This is nothing but an attempt to sow discord within Chadema and confuse our supporters,” Mnyika stated.

He further emphasized the pressing need for stronger measures to combat internet fraud and cybercrime, which he believes are increasingly being used as tools to undermine political stability in Tanzania.

 The incident has cast a spotlight on the growing problem of misinformation in the digital age, a challenge that Chadema, like many political entities, must now grapple with.

While Mnyika has been quick to dispel the rumors, the incident has reignited discussions about the stability of Chadema, particularly in light of recent high-profile resignations. The party has been struggling to maintain cohesion in the face of internal dissent and external pressures.

 Notably, Mnyika's denial comes on the heels of the controversial return of the so-called "19 women rebels," led by Halima Mdee. Their reinstatement has sparked significant tension within the party, with many members questioning the leadership's decision.

Adding to the party's woes is the recent loss of Halima Mdee's mother. The party's chair, Freeman Mbowe, showed deep concern for Mdee, offering his support during this difficult time. However, critics have been quick to point out that this move by Mbowe could be seen as an attempt to further cement the rebels' return to the party fold. Notably, Mbowe has not publicly rebuffed these claims, which has only fueled speculation about his intentions.

Chadema's struggles are not new. The party has seen a series of defections and resignations over the years that have significantly weakened its ranks. One of the most prominent departures was that of Dr. Wilbroad Slaa, the party’s former Secretary General, who left in 2015 in protest of the party’s decision to welcome former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa into its ranks.

 Dr. Slaa, who was known for his principled stand against corruption, was particularly vocal about his disapproval of Lowassa’s entry into Chadema, given Lowassa’s past controversies.

Dr. Slaa's resignation was a major blow to Chadema, as he had been a key figure in building the party's reputation as a force for change in Tanzanian politics. His departure highlighted the growing tensions within the party, particularly regarding its direction and leadership.

 The controversy surrounding Lowassa's entry and Dr. Slaa's subsequent resignation marked the beginning of a series of internal conflicts that have continued to plague Chadema to this day.

Vincent Mashinji, another former Secretary General, also left the party under contentious circumstances. In July 2017, Mashinji defected to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where he was subsequently appointed as Serengeti District Commissioner.

 His departure was a significant setback for Chadema, not only because of his high-profile defection but also because it underscored the challenges the party faced in retaining its key members. Mashinji's exit, much like Dr. Slaa's, raised serious questions about the party’s ability to maintain unity and loyalty among its leadership.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the defection of Reverend Peter Msigwa, a prominent figure within the party. Msigwa has been openly critical of Chadema’s leadership, particularly Chairman Freeman Mbowe, whom he has accused of running the party with an iron fist.

These allegations have been echoed by Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s Deputy Chair, who has also called for greater transparency and accountability within the party’s leadership. The accusations of autocratic tendencies have only served to deepen the rifts within the party, leading many to question whether Chadema can survive its current leadership crisis.

As Chadema grapples with these internal challenges, the reinstatement of the 19 women rebels, led by Halima Mdee, has added yet another layer of complexity to the party’s struggles. The return of Mdee and her allies, who were previously expelled from the party, has been met with mixed reactions.

 While some see their reinstatement as a necessary step towards healing the party’s divisions, others view it as a betrayal of the party’s principles. Tundu Lissu, in particular, has been vocal in his opposition to their return, arguing that it sends the wrong message to the party’s rank and file.

The loss of Halima Mdee’s mother has also brought Mbowe’s leadership under scrutiny. His decision to offer personal support to Mdee during her time of grief has been interpreted by some as an attempt to secure her loyalty and that of her supporters.

 This move has sparked speculation about whether Mbowe is using personal tragedies to consolidate power within the party, a claim that has not been directly addressed by Mbowe himself.

Political analysts have expressed concerns about the long-term implications of these internal struggles for Chadema. Juma Stereo, a political commentator from Shinyanga, and Mussa Lugete, a historian based in Dar es Salaam, have both warned that the ongoing leadership crisis could severely undermine Chadema’s ability to serve as a credible opposition force.

The financial constraints the party faces, exacerbated by its poor performance in the 2020 elections, have only added to its vulnerabilities. With the party’s subventions drastically reduced, fears are growing that more key figures may defect to CCM in search of stability and resources.

As Chadema navigates these turbulent waters, the question remains whether it can maintain its position as Tanzania’s main opposition force. The recent events have served as a stark reminder of the fragility of political alliances and the ever-present dangers of misinformation.

Mnyika’s swift denial of the resignation rumors has brought some clarity to the situation, but the broader issues facing the party remain unresolved. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Chadema can overcome these challenges or whether it will succumb to further fragmentation and decline.