Tanzania to set up digital archives for past leaders
President Samia Suluhu Hassan presses the button to signal the launch of the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Digital Archive
Dar es Salaam. The government is planning to set up a virtual archive that will store all the important information about all leaders.
This was hinted at by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the launch of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim’s Digital Archive on Saturday, September 30, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
During the event, President Samia said that by setting up a virtual archive, leaders leave behind a mark of their work while setting an example for the future generation.
“This archive reflects the journey of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim as a renowned diplomat and politician. His records provide an opportunity for the public to know him as a leader, to know the history of Tanzania as well as of Africa,” she detailed.
President Samia following the proceedings during the launch of Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, next to her is the diplomat's son
Through her own experience of the archive before it was launched, President Samia explained that for the first time, there is a digital archive with documents that unfold and reflect the history of Tanzania through the unique narrations and experiences of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim.
“I was impressed by the way all the information in the archive aligned with each other. In this virtual storage, there are letters, research papers, and features that were cut from newspapers, pictures, and videos. All of these open a window to curiosity to know and learn through the life of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim,” she said.
Former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete was part of the distinguished audience that attended the launch
President Samia gave an example of a video of Samil Ahmed Salim that was taken on September 19, 1989, when he was welcomed by the Centre for Foreign Relations in Dar es Salaam. He talked about his philosophy of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and his future goals.
“Exactly three days later, he became Secretary-General of the OAU. Afterwards, he went ahead to do wonders for Africa and the world. This includes suggesting a mechanism for conflict prevention, management, and resolution. This led to the formation of a committee that has dealt with peacekeeping and conflicts in the African region,” she revealed.
President Samia then renamed the Centre for Foreign Relations to the Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations.
