Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued bold directives on the implementation of Tanzania’s newly revised foreign policy, underscoring the need to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity amid rising external meddling.
Speaking yesterday at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam during the official launch of the Revised Foreign Policy (2024), President Samia warned against the increasing tendency of foreign actors making unwarranted statements about Tanzania’s internal affairs and called on ministries and security agencies to respond swiftly and decisively.
“We cannot be a place where anyone feels entitled to say whatever they want about Tanzania,” she said.
“There is a growing trend of activists from regional blocs attempting to meddle in our affairs. If they are restricted in their own countries, they should not be allowed to cause disorder here.”
She directed relevant authorities to promptly refute, deny, or clarify any misleading statements or narratives about the country, particularly those fuelled by new technologies which, she noted, have made it easier for misinformation to spread.
The updated foreign policy, launched under the theme “The World is an Opportunity”, builds on seven longstanding principles and introduces an eighth: the protection and promotion of Tanzanian values, traditions and culture, including the strategic advancement of Kiswahili as a tool of soft power amid increasing cultural globalisation.
President Samia stressed that the policy is not only the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, but a shared national responsibility.
“All ministries, independent departments, agencies, regional administrations and local government authorities must align their strategic plans with the objectives of this new policy,” she said.
She further directed the foreign ministry to educate public institutions on the policy’s content and its implications and to engage retired ambassadors in reviewing implementation strategies across sectors. In light of global threats, the president instructed national security forces to closely monitor both domestic and border security, with a focus on combating cross-border crimes and terrorism.
President Samia also called on Tanzanian diaspora, citizens and individuals of Tanzanian descent abroad, urging them to invest in the country and act as ambassadors of Tanzania in their host countries.
“Instead of speaking negatively about your homeland, you have a duty to promote Tanzania’s positive image,” she said.
The president encouraged Tanzanian youths and the private sector to take full advantage of the economic opportunities generated through expanding investment and trade initiatives.
She also welcomed foreign private investors, reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to an open and competitive economic environment.
“To those already engaged in various initiatives, I commend your efforts and urge you to keep going,” she said. In his remarks, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi praised the launch of the revised policy as a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening its international engagement.
“This policy will unlock economic, political and social opportunities for both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar,” Dr Mwinyi said.
“I commend President Samia for ensuring Zanzibar was fully involved in the policy’s development.” He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure Zanzibar fully benefits from the policy’s implementation and called on all Tanzanians to use the policy as a tool to advance national interests in the global arena.
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