My take on Anna Mwighira’s Appointment

I’m pleased with the recent appointment of Anna Mwighira as the regional commissioner (RC) of Kilimanjaro. As a residence of Kilimanjaro, I feel fortunate of her appointment especially with discontentment of some regional commissioners in other regions. Kilimanjaro is fortunate of having wise leaders especially the regional commissioners.  The immediate former RC Meki Sadiki was a very wise man. Since the appointment of Anna has raised concerns especially on the state of opposition, I’ll hereby point my views on why it was rational for her to be appointed and accept the position. I will also look into the way forward for opposition. 

First, Anna is a courageous and wise leader. She is among the few women who have led a political party as well as running for presidency. When she decided to run for presidential position, when some of the preferred members in her party were hesitant to do so. She stood up and ran her campaign in an admirable way. Full of agenda as opposed to personal attacks, which was a major component of other candidates. Unfortunately, the election was dominated with two major parties (CCM vs CHADEMA/UKAWA) and issues that received attention were pity and trifling. Hence, observing mama Anna in a position of leadership especially in a government provides a good lens for citizens to judge her wisdom and see her actions.

Second, Anna’s appointment should remind us that ACT Wazalendo and CCM share the same ideology. They both belong to the left and share the same socialist ideology.  ACT has placed its effort to rejuvenate aspects of the Azimio la Arusha, which was once core belief and the very foundation of CCM. Meanwhile Magufuli’s government is displaying considerable socialist elements such as increasing the powers of state and its intervention in economic matters. Thus, although they argue that ‘development has no party’, parties do have ideologies and ideologies guide strategies and strategies define priorities of attaining development. Probably ACT-Wazalendo fills the ideological vacuum that CCM created following its seemingly unprepared adoption to the liberal ideas without completely abandoning the foundational socialism. 

Third, Kilimanjaro is dominated by opposition, thus appointing an opposition leader to that region might be for strategic reason. Perhaps, the government wants to shield itself from the opposition, and the best way is to let opposition fight opposition. Another reason, which I believe, may be a way of reaching consensus – i.e. opposition might understand other oppositions. Hence appointment of Anna is a bridge of connecting the government with the opposition citizens. Such a move will help a faster materialisation of CCM manifesto in the region.

Prisoners’ Dillema

Despite my reasoning why I feel the appointment of Anna was appropriate, there are valid concerns on the state of opposition in Tanzania. Some have argued that ACT-Wazalendo is an arm of the ruling party, some say it’s a move of the government to dismantle opposition and some believe it’s a move to strengthen democracy. I believe in neither of those. It’s a game theory. We may all be on a prisoner’s dilemma. Whatever the intention and trade-offs that may exist the end results will depend on what the opposition does next.

Way forward for the Opposition

I recommend the opposition parties to do their job, reflect on themselves, the structures of their parties and policies. Then present the public with a credible institution to be elected. If the public doesn’t believe in the party, it’s so hard for them to believe in the candidate however good he/she is.

Lastly, I wish mama Anna Mwighira all the best in her work, she will have all our support.