Katoto Kadogo
Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 28
- 72
President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Suleiman Mombo as the new Director General (DG) of the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS). According to a statement from the Presidency, Mombo was sworn in on July 11, 2024, at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
In recent years, frequent changes in the Directors of TISS have caused concern among the public, with some suggesting that the once highly regarded position has now lost its prestige.
Mombo has become the fourth DG of TISS in less than two years, marking the fastest turnover of intelligence chiefs in Tanzania's recent history. He replaces Ambassador Ali Siwa, who served in the position for less than a year before retiring from public service.
In 1995, Colonel Apson Mwang'onda was appointed to lead TISS, serving until 2005 under the administration of the late former President Benjamin William Mkapa. During President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete's tenure, Othman Rashid was appointed in 2005 and led TISS for 10 years until his retirement in 2016.
Mombo, a senior intelligence officer, returned to Tanzania last month from Brasilia, Brazil, where he worked at Tanzania's embassy under Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi. Following his return, he was appointed Siwa's deputy and took over the leadership of TISS just a few weeks later.
The frequent changes at the intelligence agency began in January 2023 with Saidi Massoro's appointment as DG of TISS, succeeding Diwani Athumani, appointed by former President John Magufuli. Diwani served the longest of the recent spy chiefs, holding the position for two years.
The rapid turnover of intelligence chiefs has made it increasingly difficult for them to serve long tenures. Reports suggest frequent changes among other senior TISS officials as well. While intelligence chiefs can serve a maximum of 10 years, none have completed even one five-year term in recent years.
The cause of this revolving door at Tanzania's intelligence agency remains speculative as the nation approaches local government polls this year and a general election next year. Some analysts believe that the swift turnover of spy chiefs indicates President Samia's intention to reform the sensitive institution.
In recent years, frequent changes in the Directors of TISS have caused concern among the public, with some suggesting that the once highly regarded position has now lost its prestige.
Mombo has become the fourth DG of TISS in less than two years, marking the fastest turnover of intelligence chiefs in Tanzania's recent history. He replaces Ambassador Ali Siwa, who served in the position for less than a year before retiring from public service.
In 1995, Colonel Apson Mwang'onda was appointed to lead TISS, serving until 2005 under the administration of the late former President Benjamin William Mkapa. During President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete's tenure, Othman Rashid was appointed in 2005 and led TISS for 10 years until his retirement in 2016.
Mombo, a senior intelligence officer, returned to Tanzania last month from Brasilia, Brazil, where he worked at Tanzania's embassy under Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi. Following his return, he was appointed Siwa's deputy and took over the leadership of TISS just a few weeks later.
The frequent changes at the intelligence agency began in January 2023 with Saidi Massoro's appointment as DG of TISS, succeeding Diwani Athumani, appointed by former President John Magufuli. Diwani served the longest of the recent spy chiefs, holding the position for two years.
The rapid turnover of intelligence chiefs has made it increasingly difficult for them to serve long tenures. Reports suggest frequent changes among other senior TISS officials as well. While intelligence chiefs can serve a maximum of 10 years, none have completed even one five-year term in recent years.
The cause of this revolving door at Tanzania's intelligence agency remains speculative as the nation approaches local government polls this year and a general election next year. Some analysts believe that the swift turnover of spy chiefs indicates President Samia's intention to reform the sensitive institution.
