TZ Grapples with Magufuli’s Legacy: Striking the Balance Between Accountability and Autocracy

By Adonis Byemelwa

Last week marked three years since the untimely demise of, sparking a flurry of reflections on his legacy. While some lauded Magufuli for his purported strides in ensuring accountability in public service, others turned their praise towards his successor, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for picking up where he left off. However, amidst the tributes and accolades, a deep divide emerged.

Critics pointed to Magufuli's reign, characterized by suppression of dissent and a mastery of propaganda, as evidence of a regime built on secrecy and manipulation. As former Tanzania’s Chief Defence Force (CDF), General Venance Mabeyo's recent revelations shed light on the events preceding Magufuli's passing, Tanzania finds itself grappling with the true legacy of its former leader.

Critics argue that Magufuli's approach to governance resembled dictatorship, with dissenters facing persecution and imprisonment. Mabeyo's disclosures highlight the need for transparency in leadership transitions, urging for the declassification of information regarding the late president's illness, death, and succession. The call for transparency extends beyond Magufuli's demise, emphasizing the importance of open governance in shaping Tanzania's future trajectory.

Furthermore, there's a growing sentiment for constitutional reforms to prevent the consolidation of power within select groups, aiming to safeguard against potential abuses of authority. As Tanzania reflects on Magufuli's legacy, questions surrounding the balance between executive power and democratic principles loom large, underscoring the need for accountable leadership and transparent governance practices.

The regime thrived on bias and discrimination, punishing regions that did not align politically while ignoring injustices elsewhere. Political opponents faced targeted attacks, with figures like Tundu Lissu enduring assassination attempts and mysterious disappearances.

Suppression of opposition reached alarming levels, exemplified by the tragic shooting of Akwilina Akwilini, highlighting the ruthless tactics employed to silence dissent. The judiciary was manipulated to serve the ruling party's interests, leading to the unjust incarceration of opposition leaders, a travesty later overturned after Magufuli's demise.

Tanzania's economic landscape under the presidency of John Pombe Magufuli was marred by rampant corruption and egregious mismanagement, despite claims of integrity and discipline within the administration. Recent revelations from the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) audits shed light on the magnitude of malfeasance within key government institutions, painting a stark picture of systemic rot and financial hemorrhaging.

The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) emerged as a focal point of mismanagement, with the CAG uncovering shocking irregularities in procurement practices and project execution. A staggering TZS 129 billion was squandered on the purported purchase of a sugar mill, yet the mill itself never materialized, raising serious questions about the allocation and utilization of public funds.

Additionally, TZS 68 billion was found to have been procured outside the established system, further exacerbating the financial hemorrhage within Tanroads. The construction of the Chato airport, marred by a TZS 54 billion cost overrun, served as another glaring example of fiscal mismanagement, with the project becoming a conduit for siphoning public funds under the guise of development initiatives.

Furthermore, the CAG's audit at Mtwara airport revealed a web of corruption within the Immigration Department, where officials colluded to issue invalid temporary work permits to foreigners, resulting in a staggering loss of TZS 4.041 billion. Shockingly, a network of 32 immigration officers was implicated in forging passports and issuing fake stickers to foreign visitors, underscoring the pervasive nature of corruption within key government agencies.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) did not escape scrutiny, as the CAG uncovered a loss of TZS 3.9 billion stemming from the exchange of worn-out notes. A network of dishonest employees within the BoT engaged in illegal activities between January 2017 and December 2019, resulting in the disappearance of legitimate government documents and the misappropriation of public funds. Alarmingly, individuals involved in this criminal enterprise operated with impunity, exploiting their positions within the BoT to facilitate illicit transactions involving worn-out currency notes.

These revelations paint a damning portrait of corruption and malfeasance within Tanzania's government institutions during Magufuli's tenure. The misallocation and misuse of public funds, coupled with the erosion of institutional integrity, have inflicted severe damage on the country's economy and undermined public trust in the government's ability to manage resources responsibly.

Magufuli's autocratic tendencies extended to the manipulation of constitutional processes, enabling him to consolidate power and extend his term through parliamentary maneuvers. Democratic norms eroded, and political freedoms were stifled, defining his administration's legacy.

In hindsight, Magufuli's presidency served as a sobering wake-up call for Tanzania, revealing the perils of unchecked power and the fragility of democratic institutions. His legacy is one of repression, fear, and economic turmoil, underscoring the urgent need for constitutional reforms to safeguard against future autocrats.

Tanzania must learn from the tumultuous chapter of Magufuli's rule, forging a path toward genuine democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights. While the journey may be challenging, it is imperative for the nation's progress and prosperity.

Magufuli's presidency exposed the vulnerabilities in Tanzania's political and governance structures. His manipulation of power and suppression of dissent underscored the importance of robust democratic institutions and mechanisms for accountability. The authoritarian tendencies witnessed during his rule highlighted the dangers of unchecked executive authority and the need for constitutional safeguards to protect against abuse of power.

One of the most alarming aspects of Magufuli's presidency was the erosion of political freedoms and the stifling of dissent. Opposition politicians, activists, and journalists faced harassment, intimidation, and even violence simply for expressing their views or challenging the government's actions. The crackdown on civil society organizations and independent media outlets further constrained the space for free expression and democratic debate.

Magufuli's heavy-handed approach extended to the judiciary, with the independence of the courts coming under threat. Judges and legal professionals who dared to challenge the government or rule against its interests were subject to intimidation and reprisals. This erosion of judicial independence undermined the rule of law and eroded public trust in the legal system.

Economically, Magufuli's administration was characterized by a mix of populist policies and questionable fiscal management. While his infrastructure projects and anti-corruption efforts garnered popular support, they were often marred by allegations of corruption, cronyism, and lack of transparency. The government's heavy reliance on debt financing raised concerns about the sustainability of its fiscal policies and the long-term implications for the country's economy.

Furthermore, Magufuli's disregard for human rights and democratic principles strained Tanzania's relations with the international community. His government's crackdown on political opposition and civil society organizations drew condemnation from human rights groups and foreign governments alike. The deterioration of democratic governance and human rights protections tarnished Tanzania's reputation as a beacon of stability and democracy in East Africa.

In the wake of Magufuli's presidency, Tanzania faces significant challenges in rebuilding democratic institutions, restoring the rule of law, and promoting respect for human rights. The next administration will need to prioritize reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance, enhancing judicial independence, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Only through concerted efforts to address the root causes of authoritarianism can Tanzania chart a course toward a more inclusive, democratic future.

The legacy of Magufuli's presidency serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked executive power and the importance of upholding democratic principles and human rights protections.

As Tanzania navigates the uncertain waters of political transition, it must remain vigilant in safeguarding its hard-won democratic gains and resisting the allure of authoritarianism. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but it is only through a collective commitment to democratic values and principles that Tanzania can truly fulfill its potential as a free, prosperous, and democratic nation.