How Nyerere spearheaded smooth transitions of power

TANZANIA: THE peaceful Tanzania we have today is a result of the ideas and philosophy of the nation’s founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who led the country from 1961 to 1985.

Under his administration, numerous reforms were introduced to ensure the future prosperity of the nation.

After leading the country for 23 years, Nyerere surprised the nation by announcing his decision to voluntarily step down from office, paving the way for a successor to take over his responsibilities.

This decision is regarded as a significant foundation for establishing a smooth transition of power at a time when many African countries were experiencing coups d’état due to leaders overstaying in power.

He was succeeded by Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who served as the president during the second phase of administration from 1985 to 1995. During his tenure, Tanzania adopted a multi-party system, leading to the first multiparty election held in 1995.

The 1995 election saw Benjamin Mkapa of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) elected as the President for the third phase of administration. In accordance with the Tanzanian constitution, which allows a person to hold the country’s top office for a maximum of ten years, Mr Mkapa completed his tenure and handed over power to Jakaya Kikwete.

Same to what Mkapa did, Mr Kikwete after he completed his two terms in 2015, left the office to Dr John Magufuli who won the 2015 general election.

Dr Magufuli was expected to complete his two terms of five years each in 2025; however, he passed away in March 2021, leaving the presidency to Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was the Vice-President from late 2015 to March 2021.

Continuing in the same spirit of tranquility, President Samia has led the country in harmony with her 4Rs (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild) philosophy Speaking to the Daily News, some analysts and political commentators underscored the need for the government to uphold the legacy left for the country.

Dr Paul Loisulie, a lecturer and analyst in political and social issues at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), expressed optimism about maintaining the legacy established by Nyerere.

Describing Nyerere as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to serving the people and transforming the nation, he noted that Nyerere’s legacy serves as an example for other African leaders.

“This was a true indication of democracy and the establishment of an ideal society where the rule of law is respected, allowing for better leaders to take over,” said Dr Loisulie.

He added that a smooth transition of power symbolises the time limit for leadership, fostering hope for the next term when the current leadership may not be promising.

Dr Loisulie urged citizens to embrace smooth transitions in power and to engage significantly in development activities for the country’s progress.

Mr Alex Nyoni, a lawyer based in Ruvuma Region suggested on the need for the government and all Tanzanians to cherish the foundation that Nyerere had set for the country.

“These smooth transitions of power are the result of crucial role of Mwalimu Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania. Indeed, he is the father of the nation,” he said.

He noted that, this, to a large extent, contributed in making Tanzania a peaceful and democratic country in Africa, where there is a smooth transition of power through general elections held after every five years.

“Mwalimu Nyerere left a great legacy on the country’s democratic space, Tanzania has remained a good example among other countries,” he added, where his views were seconded by Ms Emilia Zabron, a human rights activist based in Morogoro.

She is of the view that without his decision, Tanzania’s democratic and political space would probably not be as smooth as it is right now.

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Ms Emilia referred Mwalimu Nyerere as one of the leaders who tirelessly championed for the reestablishment of multiparty democracy in the country.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her speech, described Nyerere as a true Africanist who dedicated his efforts in building national peace, unity and harmony.

“During his lifetime, Mwl Nyerere taught Tanzanians on the importance of patriotism and building national peace, unity and harmony for sustainable development,” said President Samia.

According to her, the vision and philosophy of Mwl Nyerere are still alive as the government under all phases continue to work on issues that were initiated in the first phase administration.

“One of the legacies that Nyerere left for the country was the promotion of equality for all, regardless of colour, tribe and religious beliefs,” she said.

As part of efforts to build national unity, the late Nyerere also emphasised on the use of Swahili language which is now the official language in the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Moreover, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has settled on 7th July to celebrate the Kiswahili language, all these are the results of foundations laid by President Nyerere,” she emphasised.