What Tanzania's top security organs did immediately after Magufuli's death
Late President John Magufuli and Former Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Venance Mabeyo. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Despite the constitution being clear, the big questions, according to the country's three top security organs, were: who do they inform first? And how will power be transferred?
Dar es Salaam. Immediately after the death of Tanzania's fifth president, John Magufuli, there was a lot to be considered to ensure the nation didn't enter a state of collapse due to a power struggle.
Despite the constitution being clear, the big questions, according to the country's three top security organs, were: who do they inform first? And how will power be transferred?
This was revealed by retired Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Venance Mabeyo, who stated that the initial debates that arose concerning the transfer of power after the death of former Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli may have stemmed from some individuals momentarily forgetting what the Constitution dictates in such circumstances.
General Mabeyo, who served as the head of the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) from February 6, 2017, until his retirement on June 30, 2022, made these remarks during an interview with state-owned media Daily News Digital, marking three years since the passing of the fifth-phase president, the late John Pombe Magufuli, on March 17, 2021.
"According to the Constitution, in the event of the President's death or inability to perform their duties, the Vice President assumes office," explained Mabeyo. "It's possible that some people momentarily forgot about the Constitution, leading to different discussions."
Mabeyo expressed gratitude to God that the transfer of power during that difficult period [losing a president in office], which the country had not previously experienced, went smoothly because it was crucial to ensure the Constitution was followed.
"We said we have procedures, and if we follow them, there shouldn't be any issues. Let's adhere to those procedures to ensure a smooth transition of power," Mabeyo emphasized.
Former heads of Tanzania's security forces, from left; Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Venance Mabeyo,Inspector General of Police (IGP), Simon Sirro and the Director-General of the Tanzanian Intelligence and Security Service (DGIS), Diwani Athumani Msuya, look on during the late Magufuli's farewell ceremony at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | FILE
Regarding Magufuli's passing, Mabeyo recounted that when doctors saw Magufuli's condition deteriorating, they summoned the heads of security forces, namely Mabeyo, the Director-General of the Tanzanian Intelligence and Security Service (DGIS), Diwani Athumani Msuya, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Simon Sirro.
"By evening, around 6 or a little past 7pm, Magufuli had passed away. The heads of security forces, myself, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the DGIS were there," Mabeyo explained, mentioning that there was hesitation about who should inform the first person, as President Samia was in Tanga, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was in Dodoma, and Chief Secretary Bashiru Ally was also in Dodoma.
"There were only three of us in Dar es Salaam, so we decided that since the President was in Tanga, let's inform the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary to come without explaining the reason. Fortunately, they arrived early," Mabeyo concluded.
Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was later also informed. She made the public announcement on national television and was sworn in as Magufuli's successor on March 19, 2021.
