By Paternus Niyegira
The United Republic of Tanzania is an East African nation with a rich diplomacy and political stability history. It is currently navigating a unique period in its political landscape.
Known for its peaceful transitions of power and efforts to maintain a stable democracy, the country is experiencing internal and external pressures that have shaped its domestic policies and foreign relations through its Economic Diplomacy Policy.
As Tanzania grips a new era under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, significant changes in diplomacy, governance, and political discourse permit close examination.
Tanzania’s Diplomatic Tradition
Historically, Tanzania has been a regional leader in diplomacy, with founding Father Mwl. Julius Kambarage Nyerere played a key role in Africa’s decolonisation and in establishing Tanzania as a peaceful actor in regional and global affairs. The Philosophy of African socialism, famously named “Ujamaa,” is and will always be the shaping base for how the country flowers among nations in the diplomatic array.
The Ujamaa philosophy has created a spirit of communalism, self-reliance, equity, and unity among the people through generations and the nation’s ethos.
These pillars stem a firm foundation of how government and its institutions exercise their mandate.
The country’s commitment to diplomacy has been consistent. Tanzania often serves as a mediator in East African conflicts and a supporter of African unity through organizations like the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC).
Where it is diplomatic, it emanates from the philosophical pillar of identification entrenched in its constitutional preamble, which Tanzanians want to establish and manifest through Liberty and freedom, Justice and Social Justice, upholding human Dignity and Peace.
Tanzania’s foreign policy has traditionally focused on non-alignment, neutrality, and peaceful coexistence as its political orientation, withstanding the previously mentioned values as pillars of its stability.
This has allowed it to build strong relations with various countries, including Western nations, China, the US, and Africa.
Under former President John Magufuli (2015-2021), however, Tanzania shifted towards a more inward-looking approach, focusing on domestic development and self-reliance.
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His regime was marked by reduced engagement with international actors, which was directly concerned with upholding inward-looking countries, particularly Western countries, which he criticized for interfering in African sovereignty. He also increased his commitment to a self-reliance philosophy.
Through this philosophy, some extreme political class and common “mwananchi” (Citizen) regard the late President John Magufuli as having revived Mwl. Nyerere’s self-reliance philosophy
A New episode in diplomacy under President Samia Suluhu Hassan
The rise of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in March 2021, following the sudden death of President Magufuli, marked a pivotal moment in Tanzanian politics and diplomacy.
As Tanzania’s first female president, she has brought a fresh approach to governance and foreign policy. She emphasizes rebuilding diplomatic relationships and re-engaging with the international community. She is guided by what she terms 4R, which stands for Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuilding.
President Hassan has sought to re-establish Tanzania’s ties with Western countries and international organizations, reversing some of her predecessor’s isolationist tendencies.
This shift is evident in her efforts to restore foreign aid relationships, attract foreign investment, and foster multilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of health, education, and infrastructure.
She has also proactively strengthened Tanzania’s ties with neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Uganda and DRC, fostering closer trade and political relations within the East African region.
One of her regime’s key diplomatic achievements has been restoring confidence in Tanzania’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the previous regime, Tanzania was criticized for its position on the severity of the virus and for refusing vaccines and other global health interventions.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan quickly reversed this policy, openly acknowledging the pandemic’s impact and seeking support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health agencies.
This has significantly improved Tanzania’s standing in the global community.
Challenges in Domestic Politics
While diplomacy has improved under President Hassan’s leadership, Tanzania’s domestic political landscape remains complex. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has held power since Tanzania’s independence, making it one of Africa’s longest-ruling and freedom-fighter parties.
While the CCM has presided over significant national development, it has also been criticized for restricting political freedoms, including cracking down on opposition parties and limiting media freedom.
The government is formed from the CCM cadres, who claim control over it daily. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s regime has tried to open political space.
For instance, she has reached out to opposition leaders, including Freeman Mbowe, the chairperson of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, who was arrested in 2021 on charges of terrorism but later released.
This move was seen as a signal of reconciliation and a willingness to engage in dialogue with political opponents.
However, opposition parties still face significant hurdles in organizing and campaigning freely, with restrictions on political rallies and limited access to media.
She instituted a 4R philosophy: Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuilding. These elements shape her government’s direction and the country’s political focus.
A philosophy that isn’t to its fullest is exercise or being given a dim amount of exercise. Political freedoms and human rights remain a delicate issue in Tanzania’s domestic politics.
Despite some progress under President Hassan, the government continues to face scrutiny from local and international human rights organizations regarding the activities of opposition politicians, some journalists and artists in their musical expression.
These issues challenge the country’s democratic development and paint a littered image of Tanzania’s diplomacy and political outlook.
Economic Diplomacy and Development
Tanzania’s economic diplomacy under President Hassan has been more inclusive and outward-looking than its predecessor. The country actively seeks foreign investment in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development.
The government has launched new initiatives to improve the business environment, such as easing regulations, cutting red tape, and promoting transparency to attract international investors.
The movie ROYAL TOUR, which is famous for its acting, was intended to attract more Tourists to Tanzania Mainland and Tanzania Zanzibar. It has also been a great soft tool for her economic diplomacy.
The introduction of mobile levies as an internal source of funds is geared at establishing leverage towards the balance of payment in the internal source, an incentive that she holds dear through the Ministry of Finance as her great bid to wit.
Another key project that symbolizes Tanzania’s economic ambitions is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which will transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast.
This project, supported by both Tanzania and Uganda, has attracted significant international attention and investment, positioning Tanzania as a crucial player in East Africa’s economic future.
The SGR is a merger project from the previous regime finalized for the first phase under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Connecting the region of Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, the capital city, saves time and facilitates people’s movement in these regions. This, too, adds value to economic diplomacy and Development.
It’s vital to ensure the smooth movement of people to the Capital City of Dodoma from the Business City of Dar es Salaam. Easy movement signifies a lot for the people’s economic welfare.
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), the largest energy project in Tanzania’s history. The project on the Rufiji River is expected to generate over 2,115 Megawatts of power, significantly increasing Tanzania’s energy capacity.
Two Egyptian companies are constructing the project, but Chinese firms are providing critical equipment, technology, and financing for parts of it.
This hydropower initiative highlights the collaborative nature of Tanzania’s approach to infrastructure development, where Chinese expertise and resources continue to play a role.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has emphasized the importance of energy infrastructure for Tanzania’s industrialization plans, and China’s involvement remains crucial in this sector.
Additionally, Tanzania seeks to capitalize on its natural resources, including gas and minerals, while balancing environmental and social concerns.
The country’s economic diplomacy is increasingly focused on sustainable development, seeking to align economic growth with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Regional Diplomacy and Cooperation
Tanzania’s role within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) continues as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has prioritized strengthening regional ties, enhancing cross-border trade, improving infrastructure connectivity, and addressing regional security concerns, such as the instability in northern Mozambique.
The recent SADC meeting on the Organ on Politics and Defence elected her Chair to serve its Troika in the Region. This extends Tanzania’s influence in regional Diplomacy and cooperation.
Her regime has also been vocal in promoting peace and security in the region, supporting diplomatic efforts in the Great Lakes region, DRC, and Burundi, and contributing to peacekeeping missions.
Tanzania’s regional diplomacy reflects its commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in East Africa. It recognizes that regional prosperity is closely linked to political stability.
Opportunities and Challenges
As Tanzania moves forward, the balance between diplomacy, economic growth, political reform, international affairs, constitutional values, and Domestic values such as People’s freedom, Justice and social justice, human Dignity, and Peace will define the country’s future.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s regime demands that we continue striking a democratic balance in these strides to restore Tanzania’s international relationships while also attempting to address some of the challenges in domestic politics.
However, significant work remains to fully open political space, ensure human rights, and maintain the country’s reputation as a stable democracy.
Attracting more of its citizens to participate in Government elections a sign that the government isn’t losing it’s plurality like other governments in the region and across Africa.
The coming years will test Tanzania’s ability to navigate these domestic and international challenges.
The upcoming general elections shall measure the true nature and spirit of her regime’s efforts to restore constitutional pillars and the democratic process of political life of the people.
With a growing economy, strategic geopolitical position, and a commitment to regional cooperation, Tanzania has the potential to strengthen its role as a leader in East Africa.
At the same time, ongoing political reform and inclusive governance will be critical in maintaining long-term stability and progress.
