Ex-CDF Gen Mabeyo: Samia restores public hope

DAR ES SALAAM: RETIRED Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Venance Mabeyo, has expressed appreciation for President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s three-year leadership, which saw progress in the implementation of all projects left by her predecessor, the late Dr John Magufuli.

The retired CDF described Dr Samia’s leadership as unwavering in fulfilling citizens’ interests and the nation at large, considering the fact that she ascended to the post unexpectedly and managed to restore citizens’ hope.

General Mabeyo shared his views on Dr Samia’s three years of leadership late last week when he granted an exclusive interview opportunity to the Daily News at his home in Msasani Beach, Dar es Salaam.

“During her rise to the presidency, there were mixed beliefs on whether she could manage all the projects, and some thought that she could not perform because she is a woman. She has demonstrated that she can. Today, many Tanzanians, if not all, have full confidence in her,” the retired CDF commented.

“The way she handles problems, I see professionalism. She has managed to implement projects left by her predecessor, Dr Mmational multitrillion-shilling projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP), Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, and the new Mv Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu.

In another development, General Mabeyo said the Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Samia, has showcased creativity through, among other things, the Royal Tour Film, which has significantly contributed to attracting tourists from all over the world, further elevating Tanzania on the world stage.

“Within a short timeframe, we have observed many tourists arriving in our country from different parts of the world,” he said.

Furthermore, he commended President Dr Samia for carrying out many diplomatic visits across the world while also hosting various other foreign heads of state, saying the bilateral visits create visibility for Tanzania on the international stage.

Meanwhile, he commended President Dr Samia on how she handled citizens’ concerns regarding the DP World matter with respect to the firm’s investment at the Dar es Salaam Port.

DP World is a potential investor at the Dar es Salaam Port who is expected to increase efficiency by bringing in the latest technologies and improving port infrastructure.

He attributed Dr Samia’s triumph to the utilization of wisdom in solving problems through a participatory approach, something which depicts respect for other people’s opinions and building consensus.

“President Samia is courageous, she listens to all people irrespective of their beliefs, and has won the trust of all people, including women. Mama is delivering,” he said.

General Mabeyo said as a result of President Samia’s outstanding leadership, many women currently walk tall and voice their ideas pertaining to the development of the country. Dr. Samia has shown that even women can do better provided they are given opportunities.

General Mabeyo served as the country’s CDF from 2017 to 2022 after being appointed by the then President Dr. John Magufuli, who passed away while in office on March 17, 2021, aged 61. He replaced General Davis Mwamunyange. Prior to his appointment as CDF, General Mabeyo served as the TPDF’s Chief of Staff.