WhatsApp groups, new frontiers for diaspora still seeking dual citizenship

The initiative made national headlines, dominating newspapers and television broadcasts, and quickly went viral across social media platforms.

However, those expectations were short-lived when the bill was shelved in Parliament.

Since then, the topic of dual citizenship for the Tanzanian diaspora has been largely absent from official discourse, although it remains a hotly debated issue in diaspora forums and social media groups such as WhatsApp and Zoom meetings.

The Tanzanian diaspora has grown increasingly disillusioned. Some members have resigned themselves to the belief that the government is unlikely to address the matter, while others continue to hold out hope, citing deep ancestral ties to Tanzania.

“If you go to my village in Tabora, you will see my grandfather’s grave there. My entire lineage can be traced to Tanzania. I am a native, and no one can take that right away,” said Dr Shaaban, a passionate advocate for the cause.

Despite the government’s silence, the debate is far from dormant within the diaspora community. Intense discussions, both political and personal, continue to spark on WhatsApp groups and online forums.

For Mr Mutta, a Tanzanian from Kagera of the Mnyiramba tribe, surrendering is not an option.

“If I don’t see it in my lifetime, my son will. That’s how committed I am,” he declared, emphasising that his connection to the land predates Tanzania’s colonial borders and asserting that his identity transcends bureaucratic classifications.

For many Tanzanians abroad, nationality is more than just a passport—it is an integral part of their identity. While some lament the slow pace of change, others take solace in the fact that what was once a controversial subject is now being debated in Parliament.

“There was a time when dual citizenship was a taboo topic—no one dared bring it up, even in office banter. Now, it is being debated in Parliament. That alone is progress,” one diaspora member remarked.

Beyond questions of identity, the economic implications of dual citizenship have also been a focal point in discussions.

Some draw parallels to Kenya’s constitutional reforms between 2008 and 2011, which allowed Kenyans the right to dual nationality. This, they argue, led to a significant rise in remittances and investments from the Kenyan diaspora.

“If Tanzania were to follow suit, I believe we would witness a similar economic transformation,” said one member.

Others, however, cautioned against drawing direct comparisons with Kenya’s experience, pointing out that remittances depend on factors such as population size and employment opportunities abroad.

Nevertheless, some argue that Tanzania is missing out on a significant economic opportunity by failing to engage its diaspora effectively.

“Many Tanzanians abroad are ready to invest at home. I know a friend who is willing to bring back $1 million to Tanzania. The government should be targeting these individuals,” one contributor remarked.

Remittances from the diaspora have already proved invaluable in sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and skills development, but there is a prevailing sense that their contributions are undervalued.

A key concern among diaspora members is the lack of political representation to champion their cause. “If an influential politician, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, took up our fight, the discourse around dual citizenship would have more traction,” one member suggested.

Dr Steve, another advocate for patience, urged the diaspora to recognise the progress already made.

“There was a time when obtaining a passport was a struggle. In some African countries, immigration authorities still demand invitation letters and travel proofs before issuing passports. Tanzania has moved beyond that. Let’s not forget that progress takes time,” he advised.

However, others remain sceptical about the ease of obtaining a Tanzanian passport. One diaspora member recounted the difficulties encountered when trying to secure a passport for his sister, lamenting the bureaucratic hurdles that persist. “I feel like colonial-era laws are still very much alive,” he said.

The debate surrounding dual citizenship also highlights a generational and linguistic divide. A journalist from The Citizen observed contrasting opinions across different platforms. “When The Citizen posts about dual citizenship, English-speaking Tanzanians largely support the idea.

However, when our sister Kiswahili paper Mwananchi covers the same topic, many Swahili-speaking commentators dismiss the diaspora’s concerns, some even urging them to stay abroad and leave Tanzania to Tanzanians,” he noted.

This divide underscores the need for greater public engagement on the issue. The diaspora has actively lobbied the government, engaging with the Foreign Ministry, embassies, and Parliament.

However, without broader public support, their efforts may fall short.  Recognising this, Tanzanians in the United States are working on a Kiswahili-language documentary to highlight the diaspora’s contributions to Tanzania’s economy and job creation.

Their hope is to foster national awareness and garner domestic support for dual citizenship, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but embraced by their fellow Tanzanians.