The President's remarks come in the wake of the brutal murder of Ali Kibao, a prominent member of the Chadema party. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga--In a heated exchange that has sent shockwaves through international diplomacy, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan fiercely rejected demands from foreign diplomats for an immediate probe into a series of recent kidnappings and murders.
Addressing a rapt audience at the Tanzania Police Academy in Moshi on September 17, 2024, President Hassan delivered a powerful rebuke, asserting that Tanzania’s sovereignty shields it from external dictates on how to handle its domestic issues.
Her uncompromising stance has ignited a fiery debate over the balance between national autonomy and international scrutiny, casting a spotlight on Tanzania’s internal challenges and its place on the global stage.
This confrontation began after a joint statement from the ambassadors of 15 European Union member states—including Belgium, the UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, and others—demanded an immediate and independent inquiry into the spate of violent incidents, particularly the shocking murder of opposition figure Ali Kibao.
The U.S. also issued a separate call for urgent action. The diplomats expressed grave concern over these events, urging President Hassan to ensure accountability and protection for political opposition, reflecting deep anxiety about threats to democratic principles and human rights in Tanzania.
President Hassan's response was unapologetically defiant. She questioned the authenticity of the demands, suggesting that they might not reflect the true intentions of the leaders of the countries involved.
"We are not here to be told what to do by anyone. We have our Constitution, laws, customs, and traditions that guide our actions," she declared. Her tone was unmistakably resolute, dismissing the calls as misguided and misinformed.
In her address, President Hassan promised to challenge the legitimacy of these demands with the heads of state of the respective countries, indicating that she would assert Tanzania's right to handle its issues without external interference.
She also took the opportunity to reinforce her commitment to safeguarding the nation, emphasizing that the Tanzanian government is equipped and determined to address such issues through its own established mechanisms.
The President's remarks come in the wake of the brutal murder of Ali Kibao, a prominent member of the Chadema party. Kibao was abducted on September 6 and found dead the following day, sparking outrage and demands for justice from both local and international quarters.
The killing has been particularly troubling given its timing and the subsequent uproar it has caused, leading to a heightened international spotlight on Tanzania's handling of political violence and human rights.
During her speech, President Hassan highlighted the country's ongoing efforts to investigate such crimes independently. She criticized the notion that Tanzania needs external guidance, stating, "When incidents occur, we do not send our ambassadors to direct other countries on what to do. We expect the same respect from others regarding our sovereignty."
The President also addressed the broader context of political violence and security challenges in Tanzania, acknowledging that such incidents are not unique to the country. "Violence and crime are issues faced globally. While we are not immune to these challenges, our approach remains grounded in our national laws and values," she said.
In a stark warning to those she accused of undermining the nation’s stability, President Hassan vowed to maintain strict measures against any form of unrest. She denounced attempts to destabilize the country, criticizing political factions that she claimed were trying to exploit the situation for their gain.
"We will not tolerate any actions that seek to create chaos and division within our society. All sinister motives have been unearthed by our robust intelligence services," she asserted.
The President’s speech also touched upon various other issues facing the Tanzanian police force, including the need for enhanced training and integration of new technologies to combat crime, particularly cybercrime. She called for improved resources and strategies to address the rising threats of online fraud and misinformation, which have been on the increase.
Home Affairs Minister, Hamad Masauni, echoed the President’s sentiments, praising her leadership and the advancements made in strengthening the police force. Masauni highlighted the improved morale and effectiveness of the police, attributing these gains to the President’s commitment and the resources allocated to the force.
President Hassan’s forceful response underlines a pivotal moment in Tanzania's political landscape. Her assertive stance against external interference and commitment to tackling crime through national mechanisms reflect a strong assertion of sovereignty and control. As Tanzania navigates these turbulent waters, the President’s position will likely have significant implications for the country’s relations with the international community and its internal security policies.