Diplomat: Tanzania loses greatest leader, USA loses friend

TANZANIA: As the world mourns the passing of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi at the age of 98, former United States (USA) Ambassador to Tanzania, Charles Stith, has remarked that the East African country has lost one of its greatest citizens and leaders.

He added that even the United States has lost a friend who was a guiding light.

 Stith, who was posted to represent his country in Tanzania in 1998, conveyed in a statement released by his office that he came to know President Mwinyi during his time as the US Ambassador to Tanzania, and over the years, one of his greatest blessings was getting to know Mwinyi better.

“In the aftermath of the embassy bombing in 1998, it was because of his gracious manner that there was no doubt my family and I were among friends and that out of the rubble of the bombing we would build an even stronger bilateral relationship between the US and Tanzania, Tutakukumbuka Daima [we will always remember you],” the diplomat said in the statement.

Stith noted that during his many visits to Tanzania since leaving the country as the US Ambassador, ‘Mzee Rukhsa’ was always at his disposal through calls or visits.

He expressed his optimism that everyone will continue to be inspired by his example of selflessness, his love for Tanzania, and his willingness to serve the greater good whenever called upon.

“Every time we were in touch, he was generous with his time and wisdom…My prayers go out to his family and friends. Tanzania has lost one of its greatest citizens and leaders. I have lost a most dear and treasured friend. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised,” the former US envoy to Tanzania added.

On Thursday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the announcement on a televised program on the national broadcaster TBC 1, stating that Mzee Mwinyi died while receiving treatment at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

He lost battle to lung cancer after a long period of illness.

Mwinyi succeeded the founding Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and he ruled the East African state from 1985 to 1995.

Under Mwinyi’s tenure in the highest office, Tanzania experienced great economic, social, and political transformations.

It was under his regime that the multiparty system was reintroduced, thanks to the political transformation pushed by both internal and external forces.

Economic liberalization was another feature of his leadership, allowing the private sector to flourish and free market.

Media is one of the sectors which expanded tremendously as private media companies were established and opened myriad outlets including newspapers, radio and television stations which altogether expanded the room for freedom of expression and good governance.

It was under his regime that the multiparty system was reintroduced, thanks to the political transformation pushed by both internal and external forces.

Economic liberalization was another feature of his leadership, allowing the private sector to flourish and the free market to thrive.

The media sector also experienced tremendous expansion during this time, with the establishment of private media companies and the opening of myriad outlets, including newspapers, radio, and television stations. This expansion altogether widened the scope for freedom of expression and promoted good governance.