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Tanzania's Samia Suluhu: A Blow to Women's Global Leadership

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

President Samia Suluhu appears to be poorly schooled in the history of the United Republic of Tanzania under the founding president, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, whose Ujamaa philosophy entailed cooperation and collaboration with liberation movements in Africa during the fight against colonialism. It therefore lacks logic for Mama Suluhu to curtail activists from a neighbouring country from showing solidarity with opposition figures in Tanzania whose rights are allegedly being violated by her regime.

If Nyerere sympathised with liberation movements like the African National Congress (ANC), Mozambique's Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), and Angola's People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) by providing a safe haven and financial support to these groups, why should Suluhu renege on this philosophy? Tanzania has always been a welcoming nation, especially offering itself as a base for hosting forces from various countries during the freedom struggle against the yoke of colonialism.

It is therefore repugnant for Suluhu's government to bar Kenyan nationals whose only alleged mistake is being in solidarity with the Chadema Party Leader, Tundu Lisu, who is facing treason charges in the country. If Mwalimu Nyerere empathized with fellow Africans who were going through colonial torture, why is Suluhu violating that same spirit? Furthermore, she is the leader of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi {CCM}which Mwalimu Nyerere was a key founding member.

It is even more illogical that the Tanzanian President has, in fact, violated the protocol governing the East African Community, which permits the free movement of persons within the region for trade, socialisation, and other matters of mutual importance. On the global stage, women leaders are often perceived as more empathetic and collaborative, with a focus on building consensus and promoting equity and equality.

For instance, leaders such as former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have received widespread acclaim for their ability to unite people and address pressing issues affecting their nations. These examples starkly contrast with the actions of Mama Suluhu, if reports from the media regarding alleged human rights abuses are accurate.

Notably, President Suluhu assumed office following the passing of the late President John Pombe Magufuli in 2021, as stipulated by the country's constitution, which dictates that the vice president takes over in the event of a sitting president's demise.

One wonders how Suluhu wishes to be remembered after leaving office. Moreover, many people in East Africa question why she has seemingly abandoned the legacy of her predecessor, the late President Magufuli, whose passing sent shockwaves across the African continent. Des
pite his leadership flaws, Magufuli was widely regarded as a champion of the underprivileged, addressing their challenges with compassion and empathy.

His sudden demise was mourned by millions who saw him as a leader who genuinely cared for the poor, often making roadside decisions aimed at alleviating their suffering. It is puzzling, therefore, that President Suluhu appears to have undergone a significant transformation, seemingly lacking the empathy and compassion typically associated with maternal figures.

When a woman leader adopts authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of global leaders like Vladimir Putin, Yoweri Museveni, and Kim Jong-un, it raises concerns about the future of effective leadership and democracy worldwide.

Lister Nyaringo is the President of Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby 

based in the US

Europe must chart the path to peace in Ukraine instead of relying on President Trump of US

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The response by Europe to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has brought to fore a critical question about the region’s ability to take decisive action on global crises. Despite being a significant economic and military power, Europe seems hesitant to take the lead in tackling Russia.

It appears that Europe is waiting for the United States to take charge, which raises this question: Is Europe a paper tiger, lacking the courage, requisite power, and conviction to stand up to aggressors?

Historically, European powers, particularly Britain, have played a significant role in shaping global politics. Britain's colonial empire, which once spanned across a quarter of the world's land area, was a testament to its military and economic prowess. However, Europe's influence has waned, and it seems to be ceding ground to other global powers. The Ukraine crisis has exposed Europe's inability to act decisively, and its reliance on the US for leadership and direction is worrying.

Understandably, Europe's hesitation in taking a firm and decisive step against Russia is due to its energy dependence, and this fear of Putin's aggression may be well understandable, but it should not paralyze the region into inaction.

Europe cannot afford to leave the game to the US alone, especially now that the new administration in Washington led by Donald Trump is warming up to the Kremlin, if the recent spat in the Oval Office with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is something to go by.

By taking the lead, Europe can demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law, protecting human rights, and promoting peace and stability not only in the region but to other regions of the world.

Vladimir Putin's aggressive expansion into Ukraine is a stark reminder of the Kremlin's suppressive and undemocratic tendencies and this must be stopped. He has shown gross impunity, blatant disregard for international law and disregard for human rights. The world watches in horror as Putin attempts to recreate a Russian empire, fueled by a desire to restore his country's former glory.

The Russian leader believes that the collapse of the Soviet Union was a catastrophe and seeks to reclaim it. By annexing Crimea and attempting to take Ukraine, he aims to reassert Russia's authority over its perceived sphere of influence. His ultimate goal is to create a multipolar world, where Russia is one of the dominant powers, challenging the current Western-dominated world order.

If undeterred, Putin's aggression will not stop in Ukraine. His imperialistic appetite is likely to put several countries at risk, including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Poland, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia. If the Russian strongman gains victory, it will escalate his confrontation with other western powers to destabilize the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Historians will contend with the fact that Britain's colonial legacy is a profound one. The British Empire colonized nearly a quarter of the world, thereby leaving an indelible mark globally. One would expect this European power to apply the same energy and precision to tackle the Russian-Ukrainian crisis with gusto and commitment through diplomacy alongside other European powers like Germany, Italy, France, and Portugal, to mention but a few.

The US in fact, was a British colony until it declared independence in 1776. Therefore, given Britain's historical influence and reach, the country must stop being lackadaisical by over-dependent on her former colony, the US, to resolve global conflicts. It must be remembered that Britain’s role in handling the Ukrainian and Russian crisis has been somewhat limited compared to other European powers like Germany and France. Nevertheless, Britain’s historical influence and diplomatic expertise make it an important player in the quest for international peace and security.

The international community led by the global West must take decisive action to deter Putin's imperial ambitions through a unified response. It will require strict economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and military aid to Ukraine. Anything less than this will mean a decisive win for Putin to take over Ukraine and proceed with more imperialistic adventures to other surrounding countries in the region.

While the US under President Trump seems to make appeasement towards the Kremlin’s aggression, the American President must acknowledge the fundamental threat posed by Putin towards a peaceful Europe. Putin’s expansionism MUST be countered now to avoid putting global stability at risk.

The time has come for Europe to break free from its chronic dependence on the US. The era of relying on America as the world's major decision maker should be over.  With the current US administration's "America First" policy, it's clear that Europe can no longer afford to outsource its foreign policy. After all, the crisis in Ukraine is a European problem.

The days of relying on NATO and the UN to dictate global politics are behind us. Europe must now take charge of its destiny, reclaiming its global leadership. With an indelible history of shaping the world order, European powers have the influence to forge a new path. The irony of America, once a British colony, dictating global politics for so long is not lost on us. It's time for Europe to rediscover its voice and assert its influence, particularly in light of the current Donald Trump administration's unpredictable style towards global affairs.

As the world grapples with the challenges of great power politics, Europe has a unique opportunity to step up and lead. By engaging with other global powers, such as China, Europe can help shape a multilateral solution to conflicts like the crisis in Ukraine. The future of global stability and security depends on Europe's ability to lead and forge a new path.

To the brave people of Ukraine, know that the world stands with you. Your resilience and determination will ultimately lead to triumph. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every setback is a step towards success. Hold on to hope, stay steadfast, and know that victory over oppression is inevitable. Ukraine will rise again, stronger, and more radiant than ever