Ngaliwe
Senior Member
- Dec 30, 2015
- 164
- 374
Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has emerged as a significant example of democratic progress and government transparency in Africa. In a continent often marked by political turbulence and governance challenges, Tanzania is setting itself apart by taking meaningful steps toward more open and accountable governance. The country’s recent strides are particularly notable when compared to its regional counterparts.
🔴Strengthening Democratic Institutions
Since taking office in March 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has embarked on a mission to strengthen Tanzania’s democratic institutions. One of her most significant moves has been the revival of political dialogue and the restoration of civil liberties, which were severely restricted during the administration of her predecessor, John Magufuli. President Hassan lifted the ban on political rallies for opposition parties, which had been in place since 2016. This decision was praised both domestically and internationally as a commitment to uphold freedom of assembly, a fundamental democratic right.
Compared to other African countries, Tanzania’s progress is evident. For instance, in Uganda, political rallies and opposition activities are frequently suppressed, and opposition leaders face harassment and arrests. In contrast, Tanzania under Hassan has allowed opposition voices to be heard, fostering a political environment where dissent is respected, and debate is encouraged. This is a crucial step in strengthening democracy in Tanzania, as it demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and political pluralism.
🔵Promoting Media Freedom and Access to Information
Under President Hassan, Tanzania has also made significant progress in promoting media freedom and access to information. She has publicly called for an end to media censorship and has reopened several media outlets that were shut down under the previous administration. In April 2022, the government lifted the suspension on four newspapers that had been banned, signaling a move toward greater media freedom.
By comparison, Tanzania’s approach stands out in a region where media freedom is often under threat. In countries like Ethiopia, despite some progress, journalists and media houses still face restrictions, harassment, and even imprisonment. In Tanzania, the Hassan administration has actively sought to engage with the media and civil society organizations, reflecting a more transparent approach to governance.
⚫️ Combating Corruption and Enhancing Government Transparency
President Hassan has also prioritized government transparency and accountability. Her administration has launched investigations into corruption within the government, dismissed several high-ranking officials implicated in corrupt activities, and initiated reforms to improve the management of public resources. The emphasis on transparency is a marked departure from the previous administration’s approach, which was often criticized for its lack of openness.
Tanzania’s progress in combating corruption can be compared to that of Kenya, where efforts to fight corruption have often been stymied by political interference and lack of enforcement. While Kenya has made some strides, Tanzania’s focus on dismissing corrupt officials and holding public servants accountable is seen as a more consistent and effective approach to dealing with corruption.
🔵Fostering Economic Reforms and Openness
Under President Hassan's leadership, Tanzania has implemented several economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment. These include reforms in taxation, easing of business regulations, and fostering a more open and predictable policy environment. Her administration has also engaged with international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure financial support for development projects, which was a departure from the isolationist policies of the previous administration.
In contrast, countries like Zimbabwe have struggled to attract foreign investment due to inconsistent policies and a lack of transparency in government dealings. Tanzania’s proactive approach to economic reforms and openness to international cooperation positions it as a leader in promoting transparency and fostering a business-friendly environment in Africa.
🟢 Engaging with Civil Society and International Partners
Tanzania under Hassan has also strengthened engagement with civil society and international partners. The government has reopened dialogue with NGOs and other civic organizations, ensuring that their voices are included in the policymaking process. This is in stark contrast to countries like Rwanda, where civil society organizations operate under strict government scrutiny and face significant challenges in expressing dissenting views.
Additionally, Tanzania’s engagement with international partners, including the United States and the European Union, has improved under Hassan’s leadership. The country’s willingness to cooperate on issues such as human rights, governance, and economic development has earned it international recognition as a positive example of democratic progress in Africa.
🔴Strengthening Democratic Institutions
Since taking office in March 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has embarked on a mission to strengthen Tanzania’s democratic institutions. One of her most significant moves has been the revival of political dialogue and the restoration of civil liberties, which were severely restricted during the administration of her predecessor, John Magufuli. President Hassan lifted the ban on political rallies for opposition parties, which had been in place since 2016. This decision was praised both domestically and internationally as a commitment to uphold freedom of assembly, a fundamental democratic right.
Compared to other African countries, Tanzania’s progress is evident. For instance, in Uganda, political rallies and opposition activities are frequently suppressed, and opposition leaders face harassment and arrests. In contrast, Tanzania under Hassan has allowed opposition voices to be heard, fostering a political environment where dissent is respected, and debate is encouraged. This is a crucial step in strengthening democracy in Tanzania, as it demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and political pluralism.
🔵Promoting Media Freedom and Access to Information
Under President Hassan, Tanzania has also made significant progress in promoting media freedom and access to information. She has publicly called for an end to media censorship and has reopened several media outlets that were shut down under the previous administration. In April 2022, the government lifted the suspension on four newspapers that had been banned, signaling a move toward greater media freedom.
By comparison, Tanzania’s approach stands out in a region where media freedom is often under threat. In countries like Ethiopia, despite some progress, journalists and media houses still face restrictions, harassment, and even imprisonment. In Tanzania, the Hassan administration has actively sought to engage with the media and civil society organizations, reflecting a more transparent approach to governance.
⚫️ Combating Corruption and Enhancing Government Transparency
President Hassan has also prioritized government transparency and accountability. Her administration has launched investigations into corruption within the government, dismissed several high-ranking officials implicated in corrupt activities, and initiated reforms to improve the management of public resources. The emphasis on transparency is a marked departure from the previous administration’s approach, which was often criticized for its lack of openness.
Tanzania’s progress in combating corruption can be compared to that of Kenya, where efforts to fight corruption have often been stymied by political interference and lack of enforcement. While Kenya has made some strides, Tanzania’s focus on dismissing corrupt officials and holding public servants accountable is seen as a more consistent and effective approach to dealing with corruption.
🔵Fostering Economic Reforms and Openness
Under President Hassan's leadership, Tanzania has implemented several economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment. These include reforms in taxation, easing of business regulations, and fostering a more open and predictable policy environment. Her administration has also engaged with international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure financial support for development projects, which was a departure from the isolationist policies of the previous administration.
In contrast, countries like Zimbabwe have struggled to attract foreign investment due to inconsistent policies and a lack of transparency in government dealings. Tanzania’s proactive approach to economic reforms and openness to international cooperation positions it as a leader in promoting transparency and fostering a business-friendly environment in Africa.
🟢 Engaging with Civil Society and International Partners
Tanzania under Hassan has also strengthened engagement with civil society and international partners. The government has reopened dialogue with NGOs and other civic organizations, ensuring that their voices are included in the policymaking process. This is in stark contrast to countries like Rwanda, where civil society organizations operate under strict government scrutiny and face significant challenges in expressing dissenting views.
Additionally, Tanzania’s engagement with international partners, including the United States and the European Union, has improved under Hassan’s leadership. The country’s willingness to cooperate on issues such as human rights, governance, and economic development has earned it international recognition as a positive example of democratic progress in Africa.
