Tanzania’s former President and Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, stressed the importance of non-alignment for poor countries in one of his speeches when addressing Third World Unity.
He said, “A nation which relies on another for the livelihood of its citizens, or the progress of its development plans is open to economic blackmail. We desire to control our economies in our own interests.”
Tanzania’s decision to follow a non-alignment movement after several key factors influenced the Cold War:
Tanzania, under Julius Nyerere, was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War, and this commitment to non-alignment was rooted in a desire to maintain independence from both Western and Eastern blocs.
National Unity and Sovereignty: Nyerere emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and unity, advocating for policies that would allow Tanzania to make independent choices without external pressures from superpowers.
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Development priorities: After the Cold War, Tanzania focused on its development goals, and by remaining non-aligned, the country aimed to attract aid and investment from multiple sources without being beholden to any single power.
Regional stability: Tanzania’s non-alignment also served to promote peace and stability in the East African region. By taking a neutral stance, Tanzania sought to mediate conflicts and foster cooperation among neighbouring states.
Global changes: The end of the Cold War brought about new geopolitical dynamics. Tanzania aimed to navigate this changing landscape by engaging with a broader array of international partners rather than aligning with any specific bloc.
Socialism and African Unity: Nyerere’s vision of socialism and Pan-Africanism played a significant role in Tanzania’s foreign policy. Non-alignment allowed the country to pursue these ideals while collaborating with various nations committed to similar principles.
Tanzania’s non-alignment after the Cold War was a strategic choice that reflected its historical commitments, development priorities, and desire for regional stability.
China’s influence in Tanzania can significantly impact the principles and policies of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in several ways: Economic Influence, Investment, and Infrastructure. China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Tanzania, such as roads and railways.
Critics say that this creates economic dependency, which can shift Tanzania’s alignment towards China’s interests rather than NAM principles of neutrality.
On trade relations, increased trade with China may lead Tanzania to prioritize bilateral agreements that align more closely with Chinese economic models, potentially sidelining NAM’s focus on equitable economic cooperation among member states.
On the other hand, China’s growing political influence can lead Tanzania to align its foreign policy with China’s strategic interests. This could undermine NAM’s emphasis on independent decision-making and collective solidarity among nations.
Further, China’s model of governance may influence political norms in Tanzania, promoting authoritarian governance and limiting democratic processes, which contrasts with NAM’s principles of sovereignty and self-determination.
Military cooperation with China, including arms sales and training, may alter Tanzania’s military alignment, potentially drawing it closer to China’s geopolitical stance and away from NAM’s commitment to disarmament and peace.
As Tanzania becomes more reliant on Chinese military support, it may participate in regional security frameworks that align with China’s strategic goals, impacting NAM’s collective security agenda.
Critics argue that China’s influence in Tanzania can shift the country’s adherence to NAM principles by fostering economic dependency, altering political dynamics, and reshaping military alliances.
This relationship may lead Tanzania to prioritize Chinese interests over the collective goals of the Non-Aligned Movement, thereby affecting its role and influence within NAM.
As articulated by Tanzania, the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emphasize several key ideals: Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Countries should recognise each other’s sovereignty and refrain from intervening in internal affairs.
Non-interference in internal affairs: States should respect nations’ right to determine their own political and economic systems without outside interference.
Peaceful coexistence: Emphasizing the importance of coexistence among nations with different social systems, fostering peaceful relations and collaboration.
Promotion of economic development: Advocating for economic cooperation and development among member countries, particularly supporting the needs of developing nations. Disarmament and peace: A commitment to disarmament and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, advocating for a world free from nuclear weapons and armed conflict.
Support for National Liberation Movements: Solidarity with countries and peoples struggling for independence and self-determination.
These principles reflect Tanzania’s broader commitment to independence, self-determination, and solidarity among developing nations, particularly during the Cold War era.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and other African Heads of State and governments are in Beijing, China, attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation [FOCAC].
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Critics have advised our African leaders to adhere to the NAM policies and principles laid down by the founding fathers of our African nations.
Tanzania, like many other NAM members, is a country that is not formally aligned with major power blocs, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
NAM’s primary objective is to uphold to the principles of non-alignment and promote solidarity among its members, advocating for self-determination and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
China’s growing influence in Africa, including Tanzania, has led to concerns about the potential impact on the sovereignty of NAM members. Some critics argue that China’s economic and political presence in Africa amounts to deteriorating economic conditions, where countries are saddled with unsustainable debt and human rights violations.
The complex relationship between China and its African allies, such as Tanzania, adds to the challenges non-aligned nations face in upholding their principles. Balancing the need to maintain diplomatic relations with China while advocating for its members’ sovereignty and human rights is a delicate issue for NAM members, such as Tanzania.
The growing influence of China in Africa and its potential impact on NAM’s principles highlight the need for the organization to adapt and evolve to address the changing geopolitical landscape and ensure that its members’ sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected.
NAM members, including Tanzania, must carefully consider the implications of China’s growing influence and work collectively to safeguard their sovereignty and uphold their principles of non-alignment.
This may include seeking alternative economic and political support sources, strengthening regional cooperation, and engaging in diplomatic dialogue with China to address concerns about debt sustainability, human rights and other issues.
