end of an era?

Tanzania: Samia sends strong signal against tribalism with ouster of Magufuli loyalists

By Erick Kabendera

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Posted on April 5, 2023 10:20

Tanzania Magufuli © File photo of Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan. (AP Photo) — File photo of Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan. (AP Photo)

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu’s sacking of her predecessor John Magufuli’s longest-serving personal assistant, Ngusa Samike, on 14 March was seen as marking the end of Magufuli’s top loyalists in the government.

Samike was a key member of the Magufuli inner circle nicknamed the “Sukuma Gang” in reference to his ethnic kinsmen wielding power during his tenure in office.

Magufuli’s open and untamed promotion of people from his ethnic community to key government positions marked a turning point for a country that was acclaimed for its harmony among its more than 120 ethnic groups.

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