Hurricane Delays Tanzanian President’s Cuba Trip, Stirring Debate on Diplomatic Travel Costs

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan (pictured) postponed her official trip to Cuba this week after reports of Hurricane Rafael’s approach prompted the Caribbean nation to close its major airports, including Havana's Jose Marti International Airport. Originally set to arrive on November 6 for a three-day state visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, the trip was put on hold until further notice, according to Tanzania’s Foreign Ministry.

In a video statement from Havana, Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who had arrived with an advance delegation over a week ago, confirmed the decision on 7th November 2024. Kombo noted that “adverse weather conditions” had necessitated the delay, casting doubt as to whether President Samia’s journey would have been feasible even if the trip had gone ahead as planned.

This unexpected change of plans has sparked debate among Tanzanians and fueled criticism over the purpose and timing of such high-level trips, especially given the costs to the taxpayer.
The President’s entourage, including several key ministers, had already reached Havana well ahead of her own expected arrival. They had been tasked with preparing for talks between President Samia and her Cuban counterpart, President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

According to the official itinerary, these talks would have focused on building partnerships in areas such as health, education, sports, tourism, and the blue economy. However, with the storm's impact halting travel, many Tanzanians are left questioning the necessity of these diplomatic excursions, especially as the nation faces economic challenges that affect day-to-day life for many citizens. Critics argue that frequent overseas trips drain resources while offering little in return for Tanzanian taxpayers who foot the bill.

One of the main highlights of the President’s planned visit was her scheduled appearance as the chief guest at an inaugural Kiswahili symposium in Havana, an event organized by Tanzania’s ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, to promote the use of Kiswahili in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The symposium, which will still proceed under the leadership of Kombo and Tanzania’s Culture Minister Damas Ndumbaro, is expected to draw some 400 participants and will include the launch of a Spanish-to-Swahili dictionary and a booklet of common phrases.
Both publications were jointly prepared by the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Havana, underscoring Tanzania's intention to expand Kiswahili's global reach. But despite the cultural diplomacy, many Tanzanians remain unconvinced, voicing concerns that these types of events are far from essential, particularly when pressing domestic issues remain unsolved.

In Cuba, the severity of Hurricane Rafael was felt across the nation, with power outages affecting more than 10 million people, as the entire island lost power in the storm’s wake. The Category 3 hurricane, with winds reaching 185 kilometers per hour (115 miles per hour), knocked out essential infrastructure, uprooted trees, and caused building collapses, especially in Havana and surrounding provinces.

Residents, already accustomed to frequent blackouts and economic challenges, emerged from their homes to assess the damage. For many, this disaster has compounded ongoing frustrations over Cuba’s limited ability to provide reliable services.

The government of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded by mobilizing military personnel to aid in recovery efforts and repair damaged infrastructure, but the extent of the damage means that many areas could face prolonged power outages.
Jose Ignacio Dimas, a Havana security guard, returned home after a night shift to discover his apartment building had partially collapsed. Marta Leon Castro, another resident, shared her anxiety after losing her roof, while others worried about food spoiling in refrigerators as power outages dragged on.

This incident is just one of several natural disasters that have underscored Cuba’s vulnerability, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and a strained economy. Barely two weeks ago, the island experienced a massive blackout caused by issues with aging oil-fired thermoelectric power stations, followed closely by Hurricane Oscar, which resulted in six fatalities in eastern Cuba.

For Cuban residents, the repeated cycles of disaster, recovery, and vulnerability have become a way of life, albeit one marked by dwindling faith in the government’s ability to address these challenges effectively.

Cuba’s struggles are worsened by longstanding economic isolation and strained relations with the United States, as well as limited resources from allies like Venezuela, which faces its crises. The Cuban government has had to rely on short-term solutions in response to immediate needs, but the lack of structural resilience remains a pressing concern for both citizens and officials. Rafael, the 11th hurricane of the Atlantic season, is part of an unusually active year, with predictions suggesting up to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes, several of which could reach major strength.

Back in Tanzania, President Samia’s planned visit has renewed questions about the frequency and purpose of international trips, particularly when the tangible benefits for ordinary citizens remain unclear.

Many critics argue that such trips, while valuable for fostering diplomatic ties, often do little to address the pressing economic issues facing Tanzanians. Concerns have grown that resources devoted to these trips could be better invested in domestic programs that directly support the public, especially as inflation and economic hardships continue to impact households across the country.

As news of the postponement spread, Tanzanians took to social media and other forums to express frustration, with some questioning the need for extensive entourage on official trips and calling for a more prudent use of taxpayer funds.

For now, Tanzania’s Foreign Ministry has not announced a new date for the rescheduled visit, and it remains unclear if the trip will retain the same level of significance given the altered conditions. As President Samia's administration navigates both domestic expectations and international engagements, the pressure to prioritize critical domestic needs over high-profile diplomatic trips is likely to remain a contentious issue among Tanzanians.