Hope amid challenges: A glimpse into President Samia Suluhu Hassan's four-year leadership journey

Hope and challenges

Scholars in governance and political science have described President Hassan's leadership as a period filled with both optimism and setbacks.

In the early days of her presidency, there was a strong sense of hope, as her administration brought changes that were seen as restoring certain freedoms, particularly the freedom of expression and the rule of law.

A political scientist at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Conrad Masabo, says President Hassan’s leadership initially revitalized the people's hope.

“During her administration, the people regained their freedom of expression, and there was an improvement in the rule of law. We saw the president establishing a task force to gather opinions on political reforms, which signaled a commitment to democratic governance,” says Dr Masabo.

However, not all has been smooth sailing. As time passed, challenges began to surface. Dr. Masabo notes that some of the initial hopes began to fade, particularly when political and civil institutions, which had been restored to their freedom, continued to face pressure. He points to events like the suppression of political meetings, such as the World Youth Day meeting organized by Chadema's Youth Council (Bavicha) in Mbeya, which cast a shadow on the administration's record.

It was during her first year in office that President Hassan lifted a ban on four newspapers.

President Hassan’s administration issued publishing licences to newspapers Mwanahalisi, Mawio, Mseto and Tanzania Daima, an opposition-leaning outlet.

Almost a year later, President Hassan lifted a six-year ban on political rallies imposed by her hard-line predecessor.

Speaking during a meeting with opposition politicians in January 2023, President Hassan said the decision was part of her Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding (4Rs) initiative.

She acknowledged parties had the right to hold rallies but she urged them to be "civil" and not to "trade insults"

Mr Magufuli had banned rallies in between elections in what was seen as an attempt to weaken the opposition.

He dismissed rallies as a waste of time and money, and said they detracted from the key challenge of building the economy.

Economic stability

On the economic front, there has been more cause for optimism. An economist at Mzumbe University, Prof Aurelia Kamuzora, praises the administration for creating a more conducive business environment, particularly during the past four years.

“For the first time in years, we’ve seen people actively engaging in businesses, with young people venturing into entrepreneurship and investors showing increased interest in Tanzania,” says Prof Kamuzora.

The government has worked hard to improve the ease of doing business, and this has had a positive impact on the economy. As Prof Kamuzora explains, economic growth is evident, as seen in the expansion of national income and increased business activity. “We’ve seen an uptick in the transportation of goods and a noticeable increase in entrepreneurial activity,” he adds.

However, there are concerns. Dr Masabo warns that while the economy has grown, the country has also increased its external borrowing. “While we have seen tangible development, we are creating a significant dependency on foreign loans. It’s important to assess the balance between development and debt,” he says.

Political reforms

Under President Hassan’s leadership, several significant political reforms have been implemented. One of the most notable changes has been the reopening of media outlets that were previously shut down, as well as the lifting of restrictions on political gatherings. These moves have been seen as steps toward strengthening democracy and encouraging more open political dialogue.

“Cooperation with opposition parties has been a key aspect of her leadership,” says a political science expert at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Revocatus Kabobe. “President Samia has met with opposition parties, emphasizing unity and promoting respectful, issue-based politics.”

Despite these advancements, Dr Kabobe highlights ongoing challenges such as human rights violations and political repression. He points to the killing of Chadema member Ally Kibao and other incidents that have raised concerns about the political environment.

“There have been continued reports of repression against opposition members, despite promises of reforms,” Dr Kabobe notes. “While President Samia’s leadership has brought positive changes in strengthening democracy, the country still faces significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that human rights and good governance are fully upheld.”

The path ahead

As Tanzania marks four years under President Hassan, it is clear that her leadership has been a blend of progress and setbacks. While the country has made strides in economic growth and political reforms, challenges remain in ensuring that all aspects of governance align with the democratic ideals the president has championed.

With elections and other key political milestones ahead, the next chapter of her leadership will likely determine how Tanzania navigates these challenges and continues its journey towards greater prosperity and stability. The road ahead may be complex, but President Samia’s legacy in shaping the nation’s future is still unfolding.

As the president herself once said, “Leadership is not about being in the spotlight, but about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” Whether that difference will be seen in the years to come remains to be seen.