Uhuru-Kikwete new found love: Why it is a battle between CCM and Chadema

Nicodemus Minde, Nairobi

Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as the fourth president of Kenya in a colorful occasion attended by many African leaders. It was evident in the occasion that Tanzania’s president Jakaya Kikwete was abnormally close to president Uhuru. President Kikwete and President Kenyatta sat together during the state luncheon held at state house. Kikwete, who like Uhuru, is the fourth president of his country. President Kikwete, on behalf of all other invited heads of state and government was tasked to give a vote of thanks after the state lunch. Despite the close historical cooperation between Tanzania and Kenya, the newly found love between Uhuru and Kikwete reveal a number of hidden political dynamics, mostly within the corpus of Tanzanian politics. 

Uhuru and Kikwete discuss a point

Tanzania and Kenya have historically been close regional partners. Though founded on different ideological backgrounds, the two nations have worked closely together for decades. Their relationship has been mostly on the premise of trade, commerce and investments. Close cultural, lingual and historical backgrounds have been the fulcrum of their closely knit relationship. The cordial relationship between Tanzania and Kenya has been cemented further by the East African Community.

Back to the Kikwete-Uhuru close relationship. It is recalled that Uhuru Kenyatta, during his campaign visited Tanzania with a delegation of the Jubilee coalition team. Kikwete hosted Uhuru and his team in Dar-es-Salaam statehouse, where they discussed a number issues. Though he visited a host of many other countries, Uhuru’s reception in Dar-es-Salaam was better organized and far from impromptu as the others. It should further be recalled that Uhuru Kenyatta’s closest competitor in the March 4 election, Raila Odinga is big friend to Tanzania’s leading opposition party Chama cha Democrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA). It is believed that Chadema offered Raila Odinga a number of campaign material such as helicopters and campaign trucks and musicians pro bono. With Kikwete as the chairman of the ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the generous gesture by Chadema towards Raila Odinga was an act of war and therefore, CCM had to support Uhuru Kenyatta. This of course was not done in the open but through proxy. When Uhuru Kenyatta prevailed over Raila Odinga, it was not only a victory for the Jubilee coalition but for CCM in retrospect. The political battle between CCM and Chadema, by proxy was fought and won in the Kenyan elections. As Tanzania gears up for the next general election, the psychological victory by CCM will to an extent influence the campaigns. 

Restructuring Tanzanian Constitution: Why a Decentralized System is best

The oldest constitutions in the world were framed in the 17th century and have been described as revolutionary pacts because they ushered in new political systems. After decades of a permeable and loosely constructed constitution, Tanzania is now in the process of drafting a supreme law that will address and map the future of Tanzania. The Constitutional Review Commission under the chairmanship of retired judge Joseph Warioba is now in the stages of creating constitutional councils (mabaraza ya katiba). The 1977 constitution was born after the political union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The law, as Issa Shivji puts it, derived its legal authority from the Articles of the Union. The process meant that Zanzibar lost its autonomy and was succeeded by Tanzania. International law, under the topic of state succession will best explain the 'dissolution' of Zanzibar and how its autonomy was swallowed by mainland Tanzania. This is a sensitive topic, which has elicited sharp reactions from Tanzania Zanzibar politicians. 

The ascension of the 1977 constitution, declared by virtue of law, the supremacy of single party dictatorship in Tanzania under the CCM banner. I don't intend to delve into the ramifications thereof of a single party rule. Of crucial importance today shall be the decentralization form of government through a contextual analysis of Tanzania. 

Tanzania has been operating as a loosely conceptualized unitary state. There is a union parliament, house of representative in Zanzibar, a union president and the president of Zanzibar. Zanzibar MPs have always called for more autonomy of the isle. Bickering over the 'state' of Zanzibar have become a norm. In addressing the dissatisfaction of Zanzibar on the degree of autonomy, a decentralized form of government can best deal with this.

Decentralization is a mechanism that disperses authority from the central government to other institutions or levels of government, and as such it becomes one solution to many problems that arise over dissatisfaction by constituent members. Decentralization can involve assigning sub-national levels of government elements of 'self-rule' by which they obtain the authority to regulate and/or run certain functions or services on their own such as healthcare, primary education and can also include the establishing of a system of shared rule, allowing sub-national entities to be involved in national rule making, often through delegation of duties. The object of decentralization remains devolution of services, and creating national unity within a polity. 

A decentralized form of government will see more economic development through federal state, regional or county based government. Services shall be devolved to local constituents, meaning that the management of these basic necessities will be at the plate of local government. Appeasing Zanzibar can best be done through sub-national devolution where these units are given autonomy as constituent entities of a territory. With over 26 regions, Tanzania can best serve the needs of the now 45 million people better through a well structured devolved system of government. The positive effects of decentralization of power are among many; the limitation of authoritarianism at national level brought about by dictatorial political parties and individuals, increasing responsiveness to the needs and preference of the people, encouraging positive, active approaches to government and policy development. For a country that is well blessed with resources, good climate, tourism (just to mention a few), Tanzania;s form of decentralization can be a model for prosperity. Though, negative aspects can crop such as harmful competition among regions, deficiency in human and financial resources, a proper law and good leadership can instigate progress. The depth of decentralization can go as far as judicial/legal devolution, revenue devolution, fiscal devolution among others. A constitutional edifice that champions this will no doubt bring prosperity.

North Korea in a state of war with South Korea

North Korea to enter 'state of war' against South Korea

The rise and rise of Tanzania as a regional economic hegemon

Tanzania has historically played a second fiddle in the East African region behind Kenya. Tanzania's foreign policy over the years has been based on its strong cooperation with the East and the Non-Aligned Movement. Tanzania's ideology has been that of a socialist democracy dictated by the ideals of humanity, equality, brotherliness and good neighborliness. Under the founding father Julius Nyerere, Tanzania practiced the Ujamaa ideology, a brand of Socialism which Nyerere termed as "Tanzania's unique socialism". The Ujamaa ideology was aimed at fostering national cohesion, self reliance and independence through the virtues of humanity. With this brand, Tanzania's close allies were Cuba, China and the now defunct USSR and currently Russia. Tanzania worked in close partnership with these nations whilst playing a non-aligned pragmatic foreign policy. Nyerere was good at this. 

With the triumph of capitalist liberal democracy that saw 'the end of history' as elucidated by Francis Fukuyama, Tanzania adopted open market liberal economic approaches. With this, Tanzania opened up for global investments and direct trade with financial institutions which Nyerere had once rebuffed as neo-imperilist tools. Whilst this happened, Tanzania carried out its foreign relations in a very pragmatic and strategic manner. Tanzania's foreign policy was anchored on African liberation during the 1960s and 1970s. Tanzania played a leadership role in the fight for African liberation not only political liberation but also economic. Tanzania criticized the Apartheid regime in South Africa and played a leading role in fronting for peaceful coexistence and settlement of disputes in Africa and beyond.

Tanzania is now at a critical juncture in mapping out its future. With the drafting of a new constitution, Tanzania is joining the league of African nations that are rethinking their future through the drafting of a new legal regime. I trust that the Constitutional body is doing a good job. Tanzania is also experiencing a resource boom. With plenty of natural gas, uranium, coal, oil and other energy resources, Tanzania is been seen as rising economic giant within the region. There is no doubt that Tanzania is at the behest of greatness. With investors wooing Tanzania, right-left and center, it is a manifestation of good times ahead. The new Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting the country in what political pundits see as expanding of China-Tanzania relations. The Chinese government brings investment opportunities and trade to Tanzania. They enter into partnerships with the Tanzanian government in areas of infrastructure, health, education, trade etc. This is good for Tanzania. Chinese investments are 'unconditional' and due to historical ties, will benefit both countries. Western countries are also competing for a stake in Tanzania's riches. This is great news. With disciplined and shrewed leadership, Tanzania stands to greatly benefit. I have no doubt that US President will visit Tanzania just like his two predecessors, George Bush and Bill Clinton. This is the rise of Tanzania.   

Rest in Peace Chinua Achebe, the doyen of African Literature

I have learned of the passing of the great African literature guru, Chinua Achebe. I remember Chinua Achebe for his classic novels of "A Man of the People", "Things Fall Apart", "Arrow of God", "Anthills of Savannah", "No longer at ease". I have had the privilege of reading a couple of his books. Chinua Achebe was the doyen of African literature. Achebe is man who achieved a lot during his early years of academic life. As my professor puts it, "it was not for his excellence that he achieved all success". My professor quickly reminds me of how Achebe got a third degree honors in his class. He was not the brightest in his class. He was fortunate to have written these books at a time when the world was dominated by Western literature. A new wave of African literature beckoned with his works. There is no doubt, the works by Achebe lit up the African narrative of African literature. He wrote on the role of culture in Africa and the social and political significance of aesthetics and analysis of the postcolonial state in Africa. His works, especially, "Things fall Apart" became the blueprint of literature scholarship in Africa. 

I recently read his book on the "Trouble with Nigeria"(1983). This book examined what Achebe terms as the 'failure of leadership'. This inspiring book aimed to challenge the resignation of Nigerians and inspire them to reject old habits which inhibit Nigeria from becoming a modern and attractive country.The insights of the book were not only relevant to Nigeria as a case point but to the continent as a whole. The failure of leadership coupled with rampant corruption, ethnicity, nepotism, anarchy etc have all plagued the continent. In a recent discussion with my friends, we thought Achebe could have rewritten the book to capture the continental baggage of the above mentioned vices, which have sadly not changed. Rest well Chinua Achebe. The world celebrates you.

Why Gen Ntaganda turned himself in

The US State Department has confirmed that wanted Congolese warlord Gen Bosco Ntaganda is in custody in the US Embassy in Kigali after he turned in himself and ‘specifically asked to be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This came after the Rwanda's Foreign Minister  Louise Mushikiwabo categorically denied allegations by Kinshasa that Ntaganda was in Rwanda. The 'surrender' by General Ntaganda who is known to many as the 'terminator' has sparked debate on the role of Rwanda in the Congo war. Ntaganda who is the leader of the majority Tutsi rebel group of M23 turned himself in to the US Embassy in Kigali and asked to be transferred to the Hague. Ntaganda is wanted for numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity by the ICC. The Rwandan government led by their foreign minister has been denying that they 'host' general Ntaganda. Kinshasa government Spokesman, Mr Lambert Mende has said it all along that Ntaganda was in Rwanda. Madam Mushikiwabo has always denied it to the extent of attacking Mr Mende by asking him if "Its the only thing that was in his mind"

Now that he has surrendered, one can deduce a number of conclusions. It is now hard to believe that Rwanda was not hosting Gen Ntaganda. The Rwandan government which is also led by majority Tutsi could have been using 'the terminator' in waging war in Eastern Congo for their national interests. It can be also deduced that the government of Rwanda were pushed hard by the United States to surrender the man who was in no doubt in Rwanda. The gimmicks by the foreign minister must have been brushed off by the US government and ordered to surrender the man. The US government must have made demands to Kigali, which if not met, 'there could be no business as usual'. 

The US Embassy in Kigali is a few metres from the Office of the President and Ministry of Internal Security. One can best judge from this proximate distances between the three offices. Your guess is as good as mine.

All politics is local? Why International Relations then?

 Nicodemus Minde

They say all politics is local, or rather all politics is domestic. As a student of international politics, this saying could mean I wasted four years of my undergraduate studies plus other two for my graduate studies. After meditating on the phrase for a long time through inspired reading and philosophical and epistemological analysis, I think I got a counter phrase or rather a complementary phrase. Yes, indeed, all politics is local but after reading an article on Al Monitor, the Middle East website on "What Russia learned from the Iraq War" I can confidently say that "all politics is local. All international politics is a derivative of jostling for hegemonic status either regionally, continentally or in many occasions global". 

The pursuit of individual freedoms, justice and rule of law as embedded in the DNA of American constitution is local politics. The desire to push this enduring tenets to a global audience either through implicit or explicit tactics is what can be termed as international politics. When Putin was quizzed over Russia's position on the Iraq War 10 years ago, he said it was their problem. This is despite the fact that Russia as a global player should have positioned itself with 'the allied forces' against the forces of evil or 'axis of evil'. This then, is how domestic politics plays the role of international politics. When America supported the "Orange Revolution" in Ukraine yet Russia had publicly declared they would work best with George Bush and not John Kerry during the elections, the concept of internationalization of domestic politics manifested itself. A great read from Middle East Al Monitor has opened my international relations eyes wider. Thank God for daily insights.