The report also assessed various possible successors to Nyerere in 1982, including former prime minister Edward Sokoine, former army chief Gen. David Musuguri, planning and economic affairs minister Kighoma Malima, Tanzania's ambassador to the United States Paul Bomani, prime minister Cleopa Msuya, Tanzania's ambassador to Canada Benjamin Mkapa and personal assistant to the president, Joseph Butiku.
In October 1986, the CIA produced yet another intelligence dossier titled "Tanzania: Prospects for Change," which was drafted just a year after Nyerere's decision to voluntarily step down.
The US seemed to under-estimate Nyerere's influence on key decisions in Tanzania from behind the scenes after his retirement, saying he would only do so for just a couple of years after his retirement in 1985.
"We believe that former president Julius Nyerere's far-reaching influence will continue to affect the character of Tanzanian politics over the next two years, despite his decision to resign as chief of state ... Nyerere still holds key decision-making power that can undercut the government's authority and give continuing influence to his proteges and followers," it said.
Source: IPP Media