Tanzania, Finland pay homage to Martti Ahtisaari
DAR ES SALAAM: VISITING Finland President, Alexander Stubb, has paid a glowing tribute to his country’s former President, Martti Ahtisaari, who closely collaborated with the founding father of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, in fighting for global peace, independence, and diplomacy.
President Stubb paid homage to the late Ahtisaari during the Martti Ahtisaari Legacy Seminar held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam today, 15th May, 2025..
Organised by the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (CMI) in collaboration with Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Embassy of Finland, and the Tanzania Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR), the seminar brought together high-level stakeholders to reflect on Ahtisaari’s enduring legacy in mediation and modern geopolitics.
Speaking during the keynote address, President Stubb recalled that Ahtisaari’s diplomatic journey began in Tanzania when he served as Finland’s first Ambassador to the country.
He described the Nobel Peace Prize recipient as empathetic, optimistic, and honest a man who built trust across divides. “He always maintained neutrality and never betrayed the trust of either side. He saw the world as it was, not through ideology, but through a vision for peace,” Stubb emphasized, citing Ahtisaari’s instrumental role in Namibia’s independence.
The Finnish President highlighted Ahtisaari’s rare gift of foresight, explaining that “he would not enter a mediation unless he believed it would lead to a solution.” He further described Ahtisaari as “flexible, funny, and able to make both parties feel heard and respected, regardless of his sentiments.”
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On his part, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, H.E. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, expressed gratitude for Finland’s continued support in strengthening Tanzania’s diplomacy and peacebuilding infrastructure, particularly through two centers Center for Foreign Relations (CFR) and the Uongozi Institute. He stressed that such platforms are critical in preventing and resolving future conflicts.
“Tanzania welcomes closer diplomatic ties and enhanced cooperation with Finland, especially in conflict mediation and governance,” he said
The Minister also acknowledged the decline of globally trusted mediators like Ahtisaari, noting that today’s peace processes are often influenced by interest groups. “We need more Ahtisaari individuals who are guided by integrity and commitment to peace, not power,” he said.
The seminar featured a high-level panel discussion moderated by Hanna Klinge, Deputy CEO of the CMI Foundation.
Participating in the panel, CMI CEO Jaane Taalas reflected on Finland’s legacy in global conflict resolution, noting that the country has been involved in at least 20 major peace processes.
“Martti’s work lives on. Namibia’s independence is a testament that peacebuilding is not about one-time solutions but sustainable transformation,” said Taalas.
The event concluded with a call for renewed global commitment to impartial mediation and greater youth engagement in peace processes, values that Martti Ahtisaari championed throughout his life.
