By Adonis Byemelwa
Jenerali Twaha Ulimwengu, a
respected lawyer and journalist in Tanzania, recently spoke out about the state
of the nation, expressing deep concern over the political landscape and what he
views as a dangerous silence growing among the people.
"The situation is dire," he remarked
in an interview with an online CCTV, highlighting the increasing risks of
government repression and the emerging potential for a backlash if citizens
continue to feel unheard and silenced.
Ulimwengu, who has had an
illustrious career writing for The East African and other notable publications,
has used his platform to raise alarm about the state's growing
authoritarianism.
In his own words, "If we are
not careful, the silence among the masses could explode in the future."
This silence, he argues, is not one of contentment but of fear, as people are
beginning to doubt whether their voices can make a difference in a political
system increasingly geared toward suppressing opposition.
What stands out in Ulimwengu’s
critique is his reflection on how even the opposition parties, like Chadema,
are now urging the government to uphold constitutional rights. A reversal of
roles that Ulimwengu finds both ironic and unsettling: “It’s strange to see
Chadema, once a party that had to fight for its rights, now asking those in
power to respect the constitution. It feels as if the roles have completely
shifted, and this should worry us all.”
He speaks passionately about the
lack of decorum, pointing to officials who wear fine suits and yet seem to
abandon all moral responsibility when it comes to respecting voters. The
question he raises is chilling: “When those in power disregard basic decency
and behave without shame, what kind of leadership are we cultivating?”
This loss of moral compass, he
argues, is symptomatic of a deeper crisis. He warns that what we are witnessing
now is more than just a breakdown of political integrity—it’s a failure of the
country’s foundational values.
“A child raised with good morals is expected
to behave with dignity, not disgrace,” he says, explaining that the erosion of
these values is pushing the country into dangerous territory.
Ulimwengu’s reflection on the
political environment reveals a sense of growing frustration, not just among
opposition groups but also within society at large. People are beginning to see
the reality: “The denial of basic rights is no longer a secret; it's out in the
open, and it’s only a matter of time before the anger boils over,” Ulimwengu
warns.
He is adamant that the longer the political
elite ignore the people’s frustrations, the higher the risk of something
explosive happening. He cites examples of nations like Chad, Liberia, and
Sierra Leone, where patience ran out, and conflict escalated rapidly after
similar circumstances. "This is the danger we are walking toward if we don’t
change course now," he insists.
But his criticism doesn’t stop at
the system itself—it also extends to the integrity of the 2024 elections.
Ulimwengu bluntly states, “The truth is, without a fair and independent
Electoral Commission, there is no way for these elections to be credible.”
He dismisses the current system as nothing
more than a "mockery" of democracy, likening it to putting lipstick
on a pig. He further questions the legitimacy of the government’s claims to
reforms, stating that as long as opposition leaders remain imprisoned, promises
of fair elections ring hollow.
Ulimwengu doesn’t just talk about
the problems; he has been actively involved in shaping the conversation around
them. With over 2,000 articles published globally, his voice is a key force in
challenging the political narrative in Tanzania.
His work spans continents,
tackling issues of governance, corruption, and human rights. Through his
writing, he has pushed for a more inclusive and transparent political
environment—one where reforms aren’t just promised but enacted.
In his interview, Ulimwengu
emphasizes that for the country to move forward, true electoral reforms are
necessary—reforms that allow for fair competition, an independent electoral
body, and, most importantly, a government that respects the will of the people.
“Elections are a sacred duty. It’s not just a process; it’s an act of worship,
a moment of unity and integrity for the country,” he asserts, emphasizing how
electoral integrity is intertwined with national ethics.
What’s clear from Ulimwengu’s
comments is that time is running out. “We can’t keep pretending everything is
fine while the country slowly descends into dysfunction. People are losing
hope, and the longer we dismiss their concerns, the more difficult it will be
to make changes,” he concludes. His words serve not just as a warning but as a
call to action—an urgent plea for political reform before the situation becomes
irreversible.
Through his career and continued
commentary, Ulimwengu has forced the Tanzanian government and society at large
to confront uncomfortable truths. His critique is sharp, but it's a necessary
conversation that needs to take place if Tanzania is to avoid further political
decline and to reclaim its path toward democratic stability.
