President Samia Suluhu Hassan swore in Suleiman Abubakar
Mombo as Director General of the National Intelligence Service on July 11,
2024, at the State House, Dar es Salaam. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
has appointed Suleiman Mombo as the new Director General of the Tanzania
Intelligence and Security Service (TISS). Mombo replaces Ambassador Ali Idi
Siwa, who has retired.
The announcement was made by
Acting Chief Secretary Mululi Majula Mahendeka in a statement signed by Acting
Director of Presidential Communications, Sharifa Nyanga, on Thursday, July 11,
2024. Mombo has already been sworn in by the President.
Before his appointment, Mombo
was a Senior Officer in the President's Office at the State House. He becomes
the fourth Director General under President Samia's administration since she
assumed office on March 19, 2021.
When President Samia took
office, the position was held by Diwani Athumani, who had been appointed by the
late President John Magufuli. Athumani served in the role until January 2023.
On January 3, 2023, President Samia appointed
Said Massoro to the position, who held it until August 2023. Subsequently,
President Samia appointed Ambassador Ali Idi Siwa, who served until his
retirement in July 2024.
The list of TISS leaders since
independence includes Emilio Mzena (1961-1975), Dr. Lawrence Gama (1975-1978),
Dr. Hassy Kitine (1978-1980), Ambassador Augustine Mahiga (1980-1983),
Lieutenant General Imran Kombe (1983-1995), Apson Mwang’onda (1995-2005),
Othman Rashid (2005-2016), Dr. Modestus Kipilimba (2016-2019), Diwani Athumani
(2019-2023), Said Hussein Massoro (January-August 2023), and Ambassador Ali Idi
Siwa (2023-July 2024).
The appointment of a new
Director General of TISS by a sitting President is a significant event,
especially considering the recent history of leadership changes in Tanzania's
security organs.
Following the death of President
Magufuli, President Samia has made several strategic changes, including
appointing new heads of the Chief of Defense Forces and the Inspector General
of Police.
These changes reflect her
commitment to reshaping the country's security landscape and ensuring that the
leadership aligns with her administration's vision and policies.
In developed countries, it is
not uncommon for new administrations to appoint new heads of key security
agencies. This practice allows new leaders to ensure that those in critical
positions are aligned with their security strategies and policy priorities.
For instance, in the United
States, a new President typically appoints the Director of the CIA and other
key intelligence and security officials shortly after taking office, says
Iverson John, a diaspora based in Detroit.
According to an Australian-based
architect, Tania Alexander, in the United Kingdom, the heads of MI5 and MI6 are
appointed by the Prime Minister, often following consultations and with the
intent of ensuring coherence with the government's security objectives."
The rationale behind these
appointments is to bring fresh perspectives and approaches to national security
challenges. It also allows for the implementation of new policies and
strategies that may differ from those of previous administrations.
Political analysts say for
Tanzania, these changes signal a proactive approach by President Samia to
address evolving security threats and strengthen the country's intelligence and
security framework. This approach not only reinforces the President's authority
but also helps to instill confidence in the security apparatus among the public
and international partners.
As the country approaches the
2025 General Elections amid concerns of abductions and security allegations,
alongside ongoing traders' strikes in major cities, the timing of this
appointment is crucial.
The recent unrest has prompted
President Samia to make a mini-cabinet reshuffle, moving Ashatu Kachwamba
Kijaji from the Trade and Industry docket to Union and Environment, previously
held by Dr. Seleman Jafo. This reshuffle underlines the administration's urgent
response to stabilize the situation and restore public trust.
The role of the Director General
of TISS is vital in this context. The Director General is responsible for
overseeing national intelligence operations, ensuring internal security, and
advising the government on matters related to security threats.
Effective leadership in this
position is essential for maintaining national stability, protecting citizens,
and addressing any emerging security challenges. Mombo's appointment is
expected to bring a renewed focus on these areas, bolstering the country's
preparedness and response capabilities as it navigates a complex pre-election
environment.