TANZANIA’S President Samia Suluhu Hassan has dismissed two key cabinet members, including the foreign minister, as she aims to rebuild trust with foreign nations regarding her economic and political reform agenda.
The presidency announced that Hassan had terminated the appointments of January Makamba, minister of foreign affairs and East Africa cooperation, and Nape Nnauye, minister of information, communication and information technology.
Hassan has appointed new ministers and deputy ministers:
– Deogratius John Ndejembi: Minister of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development
– Ridhiwani Kikwete: Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office
– Cosatto Chumi: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
– Deus Clement Sangu: Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance
– Dennis Lazaro Londa: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation
The reshuffle also includes appointments of permanent secretaries and district administrative heads.
According to Reuters, Nnauye’s dismissal follows a controversy where he suggested that election results would depend on who counts votes and announces the results. Although Nnauye later apologized, claiming it was a joke, the statement was criticized for undermining Hassan’s efforts to improve democracy.
Hassan, who assumed power in 2021, has received praise for reversing some of her predecessor’s restrictive policies. However, recent arrests of a lawyer and an opposition politician have raised concerns about her government’s commitment to human rights.
