Dr Salim misses launch of his digital archive

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s former diplomat and politician Dr Salim Ahmed Salim's  digital archive featuring a stellar career that spanned over decades of service to his country and Africa has been unveiled today.

However, Dr Salim was missing at the event that featured top diplomatic and government dignitaries including the President at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Center due to ill health condition.

Speaking at the event Minister in the President’s Office – Good Governance and Public Services, George Simbachawene told the audience before inviting President Samia Suluhu Hassan to deliver her speech before launching the diplomat’s archive.

“He has not been able to make it due to his health condition,” Mr Simbachawene said.

Apart from President Samia, other notable figures who attended the event are Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and former President Jakaya Kikwete.

Salim Ahmed Salim born 23 January 1942 worked in the international diplomatic arena since the early 1960s until his retirement.

His diplomatic career kicked off as the Deputy Chief Representative of the Zanzibar office based in Havana, Cuba 1961–1962.

 Upon the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar which formed Tanzania, he was appointed ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt 1964 – 1965

He went on to serve as Tanzania’s High Commissioner to India 1965 – 1968, ambassador to the People’s Republic of China 1969 – 1970,     Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations 1970 – 1980,  and Tanzania’s ambassador to Cuba 1970 – 1980 a position which he served while at the UN.

 His tour of duty also took him to Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago 1970–1980 positions which he served while at the UN. He was later named African Union special envoy on the Darfur Conflict between 2004 and 2008.

As a distinguished scholar Dr Salim held six doctorate degrees, one Master’s degree and one bachelor’s degree