PRESIDENT SAMIA SULUHU RESHUFFLES CABINET SECRETARIES
In a cabinet reshuffle, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made sweeping changes in what is termed as strategic realignment of her administration by moving ministers to key posts. In the reshuffle announced Sunday evening, two prominent ministers were fired and new faces appointed to key positions.
One of the notable changes was the replacement of January Makamba as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Veteran politician Makamba, who served as Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Union Affairs and Environment, has been replaced by Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo. The latter brings a vast experience in diplomacy, serving as the Tanzanian ambassador to Italy. On the other hand, Makamba is proposed to become a Member of Parliament, an indication that the government has moved him to other different responsibilities.
In another key move, the former Minister of ICT, Nape Moses, was also relieved of his duties. The move saw William Silaha, previously holding the portfolio of Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements, appointed as his replacement in the ministry. This move portrays how the president has been paying much attention to the development of digital infrastructure and communication technology in Tanzania.
It was not just ministers who were affected, but also deputy minister posts and other government offices. Deputy Foreign Minister Nassor Mabrouk was out of his seat, as Cosato Chumi succeeded him. Mabrouk has been moved to other duties within the administration. Also, Ridhiwani Kikwete, who served as the Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office in charge of Public Service Management and Good Governance, is now appointed to Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, which meant a change in structure.
The changes that President Samia Suluhu has now made are seemingly an attempt at achieving administrative efficiency, ridding governance of the rotten eggs, and perhaps resetting the agenda of her administration. The reshuffle also included permanent secretary postings and appointments within provincial administrations—an indication of comprehensive streamlining geared toward making operations smooth and the government effective.
These developments are closely watched both locally and internationally as Tanzania forges forward into the future under new leadership headed by President Samia Suluhu. The new appointments are likely to be a breath of fresh air with new impetus and strategies in sectors integral to Tanzania’s socio-economic development and international relations.
