Trailblazer Ambassador Liberata Mulamula: Navigating Global Politics and Breaking Barriers

By Adonis Byemelwa

In an exclusive interview with Pan African Visions Ambassador Liberata Mulamula reflects on her influential career in diplomacy spanning three decades. From pivotal roles in peace negotiations across the Great Lakes Region to breaking barriers as a woman in international affairs, Mulamula's journey underscores her dedication to global peace and Tanzania's interests. This feature explores her insights on navigating global politics, and managing personal and professional challenges, and offers invaluable advice to aspiring female leaders in diplomacy.

From President’s Senior Assistant to Ambassador: How did your diplomatic journey shape your approach to international relations?

My journey from being a President’s Senior Assistant to becoming an ambassador has profoundly shaped my approach to international relations. It taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and strategic thinking. Navigating the complexities of diplomacy, especially in volatile regions, reinforced the value of building bridges and fostering dialogue. Each role I held deepened my understanding of the delicate balance between national interests and global cooperation. This experience has made me appreciate the nuances of diplomacy and the need for genuine, respectful engagement with diverse cultures and perspectives.

You’ve been pivotal in peace talks across Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC. What were the most challenging and rewarding moments in these negotiations?

The peace talks in Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC were some of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career. One of the most difficult moments was dealing with the deep-seated mistrust among the warring parties. Imagine sitting at a table where each side sees the other as the enemy, and you're trying to convince them to see common ground. It required immense patience and a keen understanding of their historical grievances and fears. On the rewarding side, there were moments when we saw real breakthroughs, like when former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Benjamin Mkapa got involved in mediation. These were pivotal in shifting the dynamics toward more constructive dialogue. I'll never forget the sense of accomplishment when we managed to get all parties to sign a truce, even though maintaining that peace was another challenge altogether. Working with various stakeholders, including youth, women, media, and religious leaders, also brought a broader perspective and grassroots support to the peace process, making the negotiations more inclusive and sustainable. Another rewarding aspect was seeing the tangible impact of our efforts. For instance, traveling across the DRC and witnessing firsthand the relief and hope in communities affected by conflict was incredibly fulfilling. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of diplomacy and the importance of perseverance and empathy in resolving conflicts.

 The recent Cabinet shuffle sparked much speculation. What’s your perspective on the photo incident at the UN General Assembly and its aftermath?

The recent Cabinet shuffle and the photo incident at the UN General Assembly indeed sparked a lot of speculation. From my perspective, the photo with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden was purely a diplomatic gesture. I was there in my capacity as Foreign Affairs Minister, supporting Vice President Philip Mpango's delegation. The image was meant to symbolize our strong bilateral relations, nothing more.Unfortunately, some people misconstrued it as an overstep on my part, which was never the case. The timing of my removal shortly after the UN meeting added fuel to the fire, leading to rumors and assumptions that the photo played a role in the decision. However, it's important to remember that Cabinet reshuffles are at the President's discretion, and numerous factors could have influenced her decision. I believe in respecting the President's authority and focusing on the positive contributions I’ve made during my tenure. The whole incident highlights the complexities and sometimes unpredictable nature of political life, but I remain committed to serving my country in whatever capacity I can.

Balancing a stellar career with family life, how did you manage the personal and professional demands of your roles?

Balancing a stellar career with family life has certainly been a juggling act. It wasn't always easy, especially with the demands of high-profile diplomatic roles. There were times when my children’s school events had to be attended by my mother-in-law, which raised a few eyebrows. They would often ask why their grandparents were there instead of me, and that was tough. But I was incredibly fortunate to have a supportive family. My husband, with his diverse life experiences from living abroad, is a rock. He understands the pressures of my job and is always ready to step in when needed. We make it work through a lot of communication and understanding. It is about prioritising and sometimes making difficult choices, but always maintaining a close-knit family. Family has always been my anchor, and their unwavering support has been invaluable, especially during the most challenging times in my career.

With extensive experience in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, what key lessons have you learned about navigating global politics?

Navigating global politics through both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy has underscored the importance of patience, empathy, and strategic adaptability. In bilateral diplomacy, I've learned that understanding and respecting the unique histories and concerns of individual nations is crucial. It requires building trust through consistent and open communication, which often means listening more than speaking. Whether negotiating peace in the Great Lakes Region or managing Tanzania's embassies abroad, these principles have been foundational. Strategic thinking is also essential; the ability to foresee and adapt to changes in the political landscape can mean the difference between success and failure in diplomatic endeavors. In multilateral diplomacy, the power of collective action stands out. Addressing global challenges requires cooperation among countries, bringing diverse perspectives and resources together. Engaging stakeholders like youth, women, religious leaders, and media enriches dialogue for inclusive, sustainable solutions. My ICGLR and international experiences show collaborative efforts lead to effective outcomes, highlighting integrity and competence for credibility in global leadership."

You were the first Executive Secretary of the ICGLR. How did you approach the complexities of peace, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region?

As the first Executive Secretary of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), I approached the complexities of peace, stability, and development with a multi-faceted strategy that emphasized inclusivity, trust-building, and strategic partnerships. Understanding the region's volatile history and the deep-seated mistrust among different groups was my starting point. I prioritized listening to all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and local communities, to grasp the root causes of conflict and instability. This involved extensive travel and face-to-face meetings, often in challenging environments, to ensure that every voice was heard and considered in the peace-building process.

Building trust was central to my approach. I worked tirelessly to foster open communication channels between conflicting parties, encouraging dialogue over confrontation. This included leveraging the influence of respected leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Benjamin Mkapa to mediate discussions. By involving neutral figures, we could facilitate more objective and constructive negotiations. I also recognized the importance of addressing the proliferation of small arms and the presence of armed groups, which were major sources of insecurity. Collaborating with regional mechanisms like the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) was crucial in tackling these issues collectively.

To ensure sustainable development, I focused on integrating a broad spectrum of stakeholders into the peace process. This meant engaging not only political leaders but also youth, women, religious leaders, and the media. Their involvement brought diverse perspectives and solutions, making the peace initiatives more comprehensive and resilient. Additionally, I pushed for regional initiatives to manage common-border security effectively, acknowledging that the long and porous borders were a significant challenge. By promoting a collective management approach, we aimed to enhance security and stability across the region. Overall, my tenure at the ICGLR was about building a collaborative framework that could address the immediate needs of peace and stability while laying the groundwork for long-term development.

As a woman who’s broken numerous barriers in diplomacy, what advice do you have for young women aspiring to lead in international affairs?

For young women aspiring to lead in international affairs, my advice is to stay true to your values and work hard. Education is your strongest tool, so never stop learning and seek opportunities for continuous growth. Build your confidence and trust in your abilities, and don't let anyone undermine your self-worth. Embrace patience and empathy, as understanding different perspectives is key in diplomacy. Network and seek mentors who can guide you through challenges and celebrate your successes. Lastly, balance your professional and personal life, ensuring you have a strong support system. Remember, integrity and competence will always be your best assets in navigating the complexities of global politics.