By Charles Mkoka
A political analyst and civil society actors in Tanzania have defended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent address to judges and magistrates, arguing that criticism of the speech by some politicians is driven by misinterpretation rather than substance.
The President delivered the address during a recent working session of the Tanzania Judges and Magistrates Association, where she emphasized adherence to the rule of law, justice, and institutional responsibility across the country’s governance and security architecture.
According to the analyst, Philipo, critics opposing sections of the speech have selectively focused on peripheral issues while ignoring its central message: that all state organs, including security institutions and their constitutional pillar—the Judiciary—must operate strictly within the law to ensure justice and effective governance.
“The President was clear that all security institutions and their oversight mechanisms, particularly the courts, have a duty to uphold the law and promote justice,” the analyst said. “This is fundamentally about strengthening implementation and accountability in government operations.”
The analyst further warned that persistent misinterpretation of the President’s remarks risks undermining the independence and effectiveness of key institutions, especially the Judiciary, by subjecting them to unjustified public pressure and politicized narratives.
In a related response, a Tanzanian human rights activist described the President’s speech as a “strong and strategic message” outlining the future direction of justice, patriotism, and respect for the law in the country.
Speaking to journalists, Philipo said President Samia underscored the importance of judicial impartiality and urged courts to administer justice without bias, while also reinforcing the need for legal compliance across all segments of society.
The activist noted that the President linked national development to patriotism, unity, and public trust in legal institutions, arguing that sustainable progress cannot be achieved without respect for the rule of law.
“One of the most important points raised by the President was the Judiciary’s role in safeguarding public trust,” the activist said. “She made it clear that this trust is a cornerstone of national peace and stability.”
The President also addressed the growing challenge of misinformation, warning that the spread of false narratives and deliberate distortion of facts could divide the nation and weaken democratic institutions.
According to the activist, President Samia urged Tanzanians to embrace integrity, truth, and accountability, rather than engaging in misinformation or the dissemination of inaccurate claims.
The activist concluded that the President’s remarks should not be viewed as ordinary commentary, but as policy guidance reflecting her commitment to seeing Tanzania achieve genuine development grounded in justice, legality, and patriotism.
He added that the responsibility for implementing the President’s directives lies collectively with the Judiciary, the government, and citizens at large, in order to build a just society and ensure sustainable national development.