McLaren
JF-Expert Member
- Feb 19, 2025
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Professor Costa Ricky Mahalu has passed away this afternoon at Muhimbili National Hospital after a long illness.
Costa Ricky Mahalu was a prominent Tanzanian academic, legal scholar, and former diplomat.He was born on July 9, 1948, in Katunguru Village, Sengerema District, Geita Region.
Diplomatic service — He served as Tanzania's Ambassador to Italy (based in Rome) from 2000 to 2006 (appointed in 1999). He is frequently referred to as "Ambassador" in recognition of this role.
Academic career — He is a Professor of Law and has been associated with St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza for many years, where he lectured law at master's and doctoral levels. He served as Vice-Chancellor of SAUT
Legal practice — He is an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and has been involved in legal discussions, such as guest lectures on Africa-EU partnerships and international law topics (e.g., he authored work on the legal regime for refugees in Eastern African states in the 1980s).
He faced a high-profile legal case in the 2000s–2010s related to his time as ambassador. He and a colleague (Grace Martin) were accused of causing government loss (around Sh5 billion, equivalent to about €2 million) during the purchase of the Tanzanian embassy building in Rome, involving allegations of using dual contracts and irregular payments.
The case lasted several years; he was acquitted at one stage, faced an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (dropped in 2021), and former President Benjamin Mkapa testified in his defense in 2012 (noting he had approved certain payment arrangements as they were allegedly common in Italy).
His ambassadorial status was reportedly restored in 2018 under President John Magufuli.
Costa Ricky Mahalu was a prominent Tanzanian academic, legal scholar, and former diplomat.He was born on July 9, 1948, in Katunguru Village, Sengerema District, Geita Region.
Diplomatic service — He served as Tanzania's Ambassador to Italy (based in Rome) from 2000 to 2006 (appointed in 1999). He is frequently referred to as "Ambassador" in recognition of this role.
Academic career — He is a Professor of Law and has been associated with St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza for many years, where he lectured law at master's and doctoral levels. He served as Vice-Chancellor of SAUT
Legal practice — He is an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and has been involved in legal discussions, such as guest lectures on Africa-EU partnerships and international law topics (e.g., he authored work on the legal regime for refugees in Eastern African states in the 1980s).
He faced a high-profile legal case in the 2000s–2010s related to his time as ambassador. He and a colleague (Grace Martin) were accused of causing government loss (around Sh5 billion, equivalent to about €2 million) during the purchase of the Tanzanian embassy building in Rome, involving allegations of using dual contracts and irregular payments.
The case lasted several years; he was acquitted at one stage, faced an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (dropped in 2021), and former President Benjamin Mkapa testified in his defense in 2012 (noting he had approved certain payment arrangements as they were allegedly common in Italy).
His ambassadorial status was reportedly restored in 2018 under President John Magufuli.
