Dodoma, Tanzania – In a surprising political development, Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has announced that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2024, a move that effectively ends his tenure as prime minister and opens the door for a reshuffle within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Majaliwa, 64, had previously declared his intention to defend his parliamentary seat for a fourth term in the coastal Ruangwa constituency, which he has represented since 2010. However, in a sudden reversal, he announced on Wednesday that he would not contest the seat, saying his decision was “guided by God” and made “in good faith.” While he did not elaborate further, Majaliwa stated, “It is time to give others the opportunity to unite and build on the development foundation we’ve established.”
Appointed prime minister in 2015 by then-President John Magufuli, Majaliwa was once seen as a potential successor following Magufuli’s unexpected death in 2021. He remained in office under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, who is now seeking a second term under CCM. Majaliwa has been regarded as a quiet yet effective leader, playing a key role in ensuring a peaceful political transition after Magufuli’s passing. His departure from active politics comes just weeks after Vice-President Philip Mpango also announced his retirement in May 2024.
The dual exits of Majaliwa and Mpango are fueling speculation about an internal reconfiguration within CCM as President Samia prepares for re-election. Political analysts suggest that Samia is consolidating her influence within the party and could be crafting a leadership team that reflects both regional and religious balance. In a country with a Christian majority, both Samia and Majaliwa are Muslims—a factor some believe may be influencing the president’s strategy to appeal to a broader electorate.
Analyst Nicodemus Minde noted that the developments could help Samia strengthen her hold on the party, while Ezekiel Kamwaga suggested Majaliwa might simply feel his decade-long service as prime minister is enough. Majaliwa has affirmed his commitment to continue serving CCM in a senior capacity and to support President Samia’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Tanzania’s political landscape, however, remains tense. While Samia was initially applauded for easing political restrictions imposed during the Magufuli era, her administration has recently come under fire from rights groups for renewed crackdowns on opposition figures and press freedom. The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the elections after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, citing the government’s failure to implement meaningful electoral reforms.
Senior Chadema figures have faced arrests, abductions, and even alleged targeted killings. Most recently, the party raised alarm over a suspected plot to poison detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges. The government has strongly denied these allegations, with spokesperson Gerson Msigwa calling them “false” and warning of legal action against those spreading such claims.
As Tanzania heads into critical presidential and parliamentary elections later this year, the departure of two top political figures, growing authoritarianism, and persistent opposition crackdowns signal a pivotal moment for the country’s democracy and governance under President Samia’s leadership.
Leave a comment