Debate Over Tanzania’s Colonial Legacy and Citizens’ Expectations for Newly Appointed RCS

By Adonis Byemelwa

Just a few days after President Samia Suluhu Hassan made transfers and appointments of regional commissioners for the Arusha, Mwanza, and Mara regions, development stakeholders in those regions have outlined the challenges awaiting the new leaders and what they expect them to address.

Among these challenges are land conflicts, illegal fishing, closure of fish processing plants, embezzlement in local authorities, and conflicts between motorcycle taxis (bajaji) and minibuses (daladala).

On March 31, 2024, President Samia continued to rearrange her team by appointing, transferring, and dismissing officials. Paul Makonda, the former Secretary of Ideology, Propaganda, and Training of CCM, was appointed as the Regional Commissioner of Arusha, replacing John Mongella. It was reported that Mongella would be assigned another role.

In these changes, the former Mara Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda, was transferred to Mwanza, taking over from Amos Makalla, who was said to be assigned another role. Colonel Evans Alfred Mtambi was promoted from being the District Commissioner of Mkinga to the Regional Commissioner of Mara.

Speaking separately, residents and development stakeholders of these regions have mentioned additional issues such as environmental sanitation, poor infrastructure in markets, and others that need attention.

In Arusha, corruption in local authorities, construction of a new long-distance bus terminal, environmental sanitation, criminal activities including 'three-star,' and conflicts between mini-busses and motorcycle taxis are among the issues that Makonda is expected to address.

Locken Masawe, Chairman of the Arusha Regional Business Community, expressed confidence in Makonda's understanding of the region's problems, citing his previous visits as the Secretary of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to gather information on the challenges faced by the people.

Masawe believes that Makonda, having previously worked in Dar es Salaam, a major commercial city, understands the challenges faced by traders, and they expect significant changes under his leadership.

In Mwanza, stakeholders hope that Mtanda will improve tax collection, address the challenges facing street vendors, illegal construction, and illegal fishing, and revive fish processing plants to boost the local economy. However, they also expect him to tackle issues such as inadequate infrastructure in markets, including the absence of drainage systems, and the installation of gates.

Overall, stakeholders in both regions are hopeful that the new regional commissioners will effectively address the various challenges they face, ranging from economic development to social and environmental issues.

After 63 years of independence, questions arise regarding Tanzania's progress in crucial national issues. Critics point to the flawed governance structure, which concentrates power in the hands of a few individuals without adequate accountability mechanisms for citizens.

This system, often described as a 'do-it-yourself system' by veteran journalist Jenerali Ulimwengu, places significant authority in the executive branch, particularly the president, who appoints officials such as Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners.

These appointments, critics argue, create a situation where accountability and feedback mechanisms are compromised, as appointed officials may hesitate to speak against the president's interests. This centralized governance structure, inherited from colonial times, is seen as a relic of colonial domination, where power was concentrated in the hands of colonial administrators.

Over time, there has been ongoing criticism of this administrative structure, with calls for power to be decentralized to elected local leaders. These demands reflect broader sentiments about addressing the legacy of colonialism and building a more democratic society.

Since independence, Tanzania has retained the system of appointed officials to represent the executive at the regional and district levels. Despite minor reforms, the fundamental roles of these officials have remained largely unchanged, perpetuating a top-down governance approach.

Critics argue that this system stifles democratic processes and limits citizens' ability to participate in decision-making. Furthermore, it results in the misallocation of public funds, with significant resources allocated to servicing bureaucrats rather than addressing the needs of the majority.

Calls for reform have been echoed by African scholars, who advocate for abolishing the colonial state's institutions and replacing them with structures that empower the people and promote democratic participation.

In light of these discussions, there is growing recognition of the need to transform Tanzania's governance system to serve the interests of its citizens better and foster democratic development.

The appointments and transfers of regional commissioners by President Samia Suluhu Hassan have reignited debates surrounding Tanzania's governance structure and its colonial heritage.

 In a scathing critique, renowned lawyer Dr. Elfuraha Laltaika, through one of his articles, vehemently dismissed the appointment of regional commissioners (RCs), labeling it as a perpetuation of colonial-era centralized governance that concentrates power in the hands of a select few. Laltaika argues that such a system undermines democratic principles by consolidating decision-making authority within the presidency, effectively sidelining broader citizen participation.

Echoing Laltaika's sentiments, media guru Jenerali Ulimwengu has long been an outspoken critic of the RC system. Ulimwengu views the retention of RCs as a relic of colonial domination, replicating the practice of appointing officials to represent the executive at the regional level. According to Ulimwengu, this archaic system limits the autonomy of local communities and perpetuates a top-down approach to governance, stifling democratic participation and accountability.

Opposition leader Peter Msigwa and educator Stedius Kazinduki have criticized the presence of RCs and DCs, labeling them as remnants of colonial governance and a misuse of taxpayer funds. They argue that these appointed officials perpetuate patronage and undermine elected local councils. Renowned figures like Elfuraha Laltaika and Jenerali Ulimwengu support these concerns, highlighting the lack of accountability within the RC system, which operates without community oversight, fostering perceptions of corruption.

Despite these criticisms, newly appointed RCs in regions like Mwanza, Arusha, and Mara face significant challenges, including land conflicts and illegal fishing. Critics also point to economic implications, such as resource misallocation away from local development. Calls for reforms to decentralize power and empower communities emphasize the necessity of moving beyond Tanzania's colonial past towards a more inclusive and democratic society.