Concern as Tanzania President Samia’s Cabinet Reshuffle Exposes Deep Systemic Flaws

By Adonis Byemelwa

President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has reshuffled her cabinet, removing two ministers from their positions. The announcement, signed by Acting Director of Presidential Communications Sharifa Nyanga, was made public today, Sunday, July 21, 2024.

The President revoked the appointments of Nape Nnauye, Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, and January Makamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. As well, Stephen Byabato, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation was also relieved of his duties.

In the reshuffle, President Samia appointed Ridhiwani Kikwete as Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office (Labor, Youth, Employment, and Disabled). Previously, he was the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office, Public Service Management, and Good Governance.

Ridhiwani, the son of former President Jakaya Kikwete, replaces Deogratius Ndejembi, who has been appointed as Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development.

Jerry Silaa has been appointed as the new Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, succeeding Nape Nnauye. Before this, Silaa was the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development.

Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has been appointed as a Member of Parliament and the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, taking over from January Makamba. Before this, Ambassador Kombo was Tanzania’s Ambassador to Italy.

This reshuffle follows the resignation of former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, who submitted his resignation letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson. Cosato Chumi has been appointed to fill the position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

In a widely shared audio message, activist Peter Mlay criticized Tanzania's reliance on connections and nepotism in government appointments. Highlighting the rigorous vetting processes in developed countries, Mlay noted that candidates there undergo thorough scrutiny through questionnaires and panel interviews, assessing their patriotism, ideology, education, and expertise in public view.

Mlay's criticism came in the wake of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's recent cabinet reshuffle, which he argued exposed serious flaws in the vetting process. "President Samia's reshuffle has brought to light serious flaws in the vetting process," Mlay stated. He pointed to the posthumous appointment of Milton Lupa as evidence of deeper systemic issues.

According to Mlay, such errors reflect not a lack of capable leaders but flawed systems that allow leaders to dominate and overshadow proper procedures, leading to visible and embarrassing mistakes.

Mlay recounted being told that such errors were human mistakes, but he argued that the government's extensive reach makes them inexcusable. This incident, he asserted, exposes systemic weaknesses that need urgent addressing.

General Jacob Mkunda, the Chief of Defence Forces, also raised concerns about refugees and asylum seekers occupying sensitive government positions. He suggested their repatriation, citing national security risks. From January 1 to December 31 of the previous year, Tanzania received 138,149 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, many seeking better economic opportunities, thus disqualifying them from asylum.

General Mkunda noted instances of non-citizens being appointed to critical positions, leading to systemic sabotage and public frustration among officials. "The risk is significant," General Mkunda said. "Especially in the western regions where many refugees have settled, their prolonged presence poses a national security threat. The government must take steps to ensure sensitive positions are held by qualified citizens."

Mlay concluded that while Tanzania has capable individuals, the main issue lies in flawed systems. Effective systems could mitigate leadership flaws, but the current state allows leaders to overshadow the systems, resulting in significant consequences. "The problem is not the lack of qualified leaders," Mlay emphasized. "It's the lack of robust systems to support and vet these leaders."

The controversy surrounding Milton Lupa's posthumous appointment underscores the critical need for reform in the government’s vetting and appointment processes. Without significant changes, similar errors and embarrassments are likely to continue.

A political analyst based in Dar es Salaam, Mkolla Robert, suggested it is time Tanzania changed its constitution to ensure no leader is above the law. "There must be mechanisms for appointments as it costs a lot to do reshuffles. For example, transferring a district commissioner from one area to other costs over Sh60,000 million. Ministerial reshuffles likely cost even twice as much, with the national debt ballooning to Sh91.7 trillion," Robert added.

In a separate but related development, Hellen Kijo Bisimba shared her reflections on the upcoming 2024 Local Government Elections and the 2025 General Election. She emphasized the importance of voter preparation, including registration and access to vital information. Bisimba’s contemplation led her to a social media video featuring Nape Nnauye, speaking to citizens in Kagera. In the video, Nnauye confidently assured the local MP that he need not worry about retaining his seat, as Nnauye claimed to be an expert in election strategies, employing both legal and illegal methods to secure victory. He stated that election outcomes depend not only on the votes cast but also on those who count and announce the results.

The outspoken Bisimba expressed disbelief that someone of Nnauye’s stature and position would make such statements publicly. She saw it as a blatant display of contempt for voters, suggesting there was no need for voter preparation since election results could be manipulated. She recalled Nnauye's 2015 comment about using any means necessary to win elections and noted the tainted elections of 2019 and 2020.

Dr. Bisimba also mentioned Amos Makalla, CCM's Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, who distanced the party from Nnauye’s remarks. However, Bisimba questioned how a party member could make such bold statements without facing consequences.

She felt that mere denouncement by the party was insufficient without holding Nnauye accountable. Nnauye’s subsequent apology seemed insincere to Bisimba, as he attempted to justify his comments as a joke. She questioned the appropriateness of such jokes in serious democratic matters.

Some, however, saw Nnauye’s honesty as commendable, arguing that he spoke his true thoughts. Ultimately, Bisimba noted, the public’s anticipated response was met when Nnauye was removed from his position. Despite this, voters remained angry with him.

Retired Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr. Fredrick Shoo also commented on President Samia’s decision. He expressed his distress over Nnauye’s remarks, which cast doubt on the fairness of upcoming elections.

Dr. Shoo noted that Nnauye’s statements contradicted President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to free and fair elections. Despite Makalla’s efforts to distance CCM from Nnauye’s comments, Dr. Shoo emphasized that the remarks came from a CCM government minister, indicating potential for future electoral misconduct.

ACT-Wazalendo’s Deputy Secretary for Information, Publicity, and Public Relations, Shangwe Ayo, told reporters that Nnauye’s statements were intentional and reflective of his and his party’s stance on election manipulation. ACT-Wazalendo condemned Nnauye’s comments, and Ayo noted that the party expected Nnauye to be removed from his ministerial position for advocating for victory through any means, including vote tampering.

The recent actions taken against Nnauye demonstrate the government’s response to public outrage, but questions about the integrity of Tanzania’s electoral process remain prevalent among its citizens.