Tracing Slaa’s diplomatic, political ups and downs

Born on October 29, 1948, in the tranquil town of Karatu, Dr Slaa’s early years were marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep commitment to his faith.

His educational journey began at the Kipalapala Seminary in Tabora Region, where he attained a certificate in theology in 1977.

This early exposure to theological studies laid the foundation for a life of service and intellectual pursuit.

Subsequently, he ventured to the Kibosho Seminary School in Kilimanjaro Region, where he earned a certificate in philosophy in 1973.

However, Dr Slaa’s quest for knowledge transcended theological and philosophical boundaries.

In 1977, he achieved a monumental milestone by obtaining a PhD in law from St. Urban University in Rome, Italy.

This academic feat not only showcased his dedication to academic excellence but also provided him with a unique perspective on governance and the rule of law.

Leadership trajectory

Between 1992 and 1998, Dr Slaa assumed the role of managing director of the Tanzania Society for the Blind, marking the beginning of his advocacy for inclusivity and social justice.

His leadership during this period demonstrated a profound understanding of societal issues and a fervent desire to create positive change.

In 1982, he served as the director of the Diocese of Mbulu Development, contributing to community development and underscoring his commitment to the welfare of Tanzanians.

His tenure from 1985 to 1991 as secretary-general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference solidified his standing within the church and made him a vocal proponent of social equity and justice.

However, it was in the realm of politics that Dr Slaa’s star truly ascended. In 2002, he was elected secretary-general of the opposition Chadema party.

This pivotal role laid the groundwork for his extraordinary political journey and his emergence as a prominent figure within the opposition.

Prior to his appointment as secretary-general, Dr Slaa served as Chadema’s vice chairman from 1998 to 2002, a period during which his dedication to the party’s principles was clearly evident.

This dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Karatu and became a member of the party’s National Executive Committee.

Yet, it was in 2010 that Dr Slaa made an indelible mark on Tanzanian politics.

He emerged as a candidate for the presidency for Chadema, challenging the status quo and championing a vision of change.

Although he secured second place, his campaign ignited fervour among Tanzanians seeking an alternative path for their nation’s future.

“We had a lot of faith that our country was going to be led for the first time by an opposition party due to the way the situation was. People had faith in Dr Slaa in the election and in Chadema,” explains Mr Abdul Kinyozi, 57, a resident of Segerea.

The years that followed were characterised by a significant shift in Dr Slaa’s political trajectory.

In 2014, he made the painful decision to resign from Chadema, citing irreconcilable differences with the party’s decision to welcome Dr Edward Lowassa from the ruling party and grant him the responsibility of leading the presidential campaign in the 2015 general election.

It was a moment that would shape the next chapter of his career.

New role: an ambassador

In a surprising turn of events in 2017, President John Magufuli (late) extended an unexpected offer to Dr Slaa: the role of Ambassador of Tanzania in Stockholm, Sweden.

Accredited to several Nordic and Baltic countries, an appointment that marked a dramatic departure from his previous political endeavours.

Dr Slaa’s diplomatic service was characterised by his commitment to strengthening ties between Tanzania and the nations he represented.

However, his return to Tanzania in 2021 was accompanied by a gradual reentry into the political arena.

Dr Slaa began to vocalise his criticisms of the current government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

His critiques, rooted in his unwavering convictions and deep concern for Tanzania’s future, catapulted him back into the national discourse.

“I knew very well that Dr Slaa could not bear to see things not going well and keep quiet; he was not used to that. That’s why many of us were surprised to see him agreeing to be an ambassador abroad,” says Dr Amos Mbede, a political analyst based in Arusha.

“When he came back, he was seemingly made to retire; his blood of being on the side of the opposition for a long time would have pushed him to be what we see him today,” he added.

Behind the fall

The resurgence of political activism eventually led to the removal of Dr Slaa’s ambassadorial status, according to political pundits. It was a decision that underscored the delicate balance between diplomacy and dissent in Tanzanian politics.

“Despite the fact that no reason was given for the removal of the ambassador’s status, his criticism of ongoing issues in the country is one of the main reasons, that I’m sure of,” believes Dr Mbede.

Dr Slaa’s journey had really come full circle, from the height of diplomacy to becoming an ordinary citizen once more.

He navigates this new era of his life without diplomatic privileges, including diplomatic VIP passports, with uncommon tenacity.

The decision to remove his ambassadorial status was officially conveyed on September 1, 2023, by the State House communication director without specifying a reason.

This marked the conclusion of his six-year diplomatic mission, during which he represented Tanzania with distinction in Sweden and several other nations.

In response to the removal of his privileges, Dr Slaa posed a poignant question, asking, “People gave you something and took it back; now what are you asking them again?"

This query resonated with the broader debate surrounding the intersection of diplomacy and the right to express dissenting views in the country.

Dr Slaa’s recent vocalisations on government matters, particularly concerning port investments, stirred heated debates.

His arrest on August 13, when he joined lawyer Boniface Mwabukusi and Chadema cadre ‘Mdude’ Nyagali in connection with allegations of incitement, underscored the complexities of his role as a prominent opposition figure.

Despite the changes in his diplomatic status, Dr Slaa remains resolute in his commitment to expressing his beliefs within the framework of the law.

He affirmed, “I know where I stand on the issues of my country, so I will continue to work for my country.”

His unwavering dedication to Tanzanian society and his unyielding commitment to principles of justice and equity mark him as a steadfast advocate for change, according to Dr Mburumi Dickson from Mzumbe University.

In the rise and fall of Dr Slaa, we witness a compelling narrative of a man who has transitioned between diverse roles, from the priesthood to politics and from diplomacy to opposition.

His journey embodies the complexities, challenges, and opportunities that define the country’s politics, making him a figure of enduring significance in the nation’s history.

As he embarks on this new chapter, his story continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of Tanzanian politics.