In this urgent and timely episode of PLO Lumumba Explains, Prof. PLO Lumumba addresses the unfolding political crisis in Tanzania following the controversial October 29, 2025 elections. Lumumba challenges President Samia Suluhu Hassan to initiate national dialogue, reexamine the constitution, and engage the opposition before the country’s political stability unravels any further.
🗳️ A Tarnished Election & Political Intolerance
Lumumba traces the legacy of Tanzania’s peaceful democratic tradition—highlighting orderly transitions from Nyerere to Magufuli—but laments the unprecedented post-election violence and arrests under Suluhu’s administration.
Opposition leaders were barred or charged with treason, protesters were killed, and citizens across Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza and more took to the streets. Lumumba warns: “What ought not to have happened, happened—and it redefined Tanzanian politics.”
⚖️ Suluhu Must Step Down from the Pedestal
Though officially declared winner with over 90% of the vote, Lumumba urges Suluhu to climb down from the high pedestal of power and engage in dialogue.
“Healing only comes when we talk about the Tanzania we want. Sweeping this under the carpet will only deepen the wound.”
He calls on Tanzanians to demand a new constitutional order that allows free expression, fair competition, and accountability.
🧠 Democracy Is a Competition of Ideas
Referencing the early ideals of Tanzanian democracy, Lumumba reminds the public that multi-party politics and constitutionalism must allow a buffet of ideas, not oppression.
He denounces the shutdown of social media, violence against opposition, and the rising intolerance that has redefined politics through fear.
“Leadership is gender-neutral. Criticism is not an attack on womanhood—it’s accountability.”
🌍 Kenya Must Help—but Without Arrogance
Lumumba believes Kenya, as the current chair of the East African Community (EAC), can serve as a midwife for national dialogue in Tanzania—but must do so humbly.
“When you want to help a neighbor, let the neighbor define what help they need.”
🗣️ The Youth Are Thinking About Africa
From Uganda to Senegal, young Africans are tired of broken systems. Lumumba says they are yearning for:
- Governments that allow innovation and movement
- Leadership that listens rather than crushes dissent
- Borders that empower, not limit
“If African leaders don’t think for the youth, the youth will think for themselves.”
💸 Western NGOs & Trojan Horse Democracy
Lumumba warns African governments not to depend on Western-funded NGOs like the Open Society Foundations or Ford Foundation.
“He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
He calls it the “Trojan Horse Strategy”—appearing helpful while undermining sovereignty.
🔁 Africa Must Rethink Governance
Drawing lessons from Sudan, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Nigeria, Lumumba insists Africa must:
- Reform electoral systems that breed post-election fear
- Reject divisive politics rooted in ethnicity and religion
- Reimagine governance beyond colonial structures
“We don’t need traditional systems. We need systems that unite—not divide.”
🛑 Conclusion: Dialogue or Disintegration
Prof. Lumumba makes it clear: if Suluhu does not engage the opposition and acknowledge the harm done, the crisis will deepen.
“Even if you think their following is small, they are Tanzanians—and they matter.”
🎥 Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/QLp9ydc6K3I
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