Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed her daughter and son-in-law to prominent government positions as part of a wide-ranging cabinet reshuffle. In a televised address on Monday, November 17, from Chamwino State House in Dodoma, the president announced the appointment of 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, signaling a significant shift in the country’s executive leadership.
Wanu Hafidh Ameir, the president’s 43-year-old daughter and representative of Makunduchi Constituency in Zanzibar, will serve as Deputy Minister of Education. Her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, 46, the lawmaker for Rufiji Constituency in the Pwani Region, takes over as Minister of Health. The appointments have drawn attention for placing close relatives of the president in influential roles within the government.
The reshuffle also brought in Ridhwani Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete, as Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance. Kikwete, 46, represents Chalinze Constituency in the Pwani Region, and his appointment continues a pattern of political continuity and the inclusion of experienced lawmakers with strong family ties to former administrations.
Other notable changes include Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar taking over from Mwigulu Nchemba, who was recently appointed Prime Minister. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo retains his position as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, providing stability in the country’s diplomatic engagements.
Seven senior officials from the previous cabinet were replaced during the reshuffle, reflecting President Samia’s intention to refresh her government team and streamline policy priorities. Analysts suggest that the changes are aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring continuity in key sectors such as health, education, and public service management.
The new cabinet is scheduled to be formally sworn in on Tuesday, completing the transition and officially marking the start of the administration’s revised leadership. Observers note that the inclusion of family members in government roles may raise questions about political influence and governance, but supporters argue that their professional experience and legislative track records qualify them for their respective positions.
The reshuffle comes at a time when Tanzania is navigating key domestic and regional challenges, including economic development, healthcare delivery, and public service reforms. President Samia’s appointments signal a mix of continuity, political consolidation, and the infusion of new energy into her government team as the administration moves forward
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