Zitto sees progress under Samia’s 4Rs philosophy

Dar es Salaam. This year, in March, the top leader and founder of the ACT-Wazalendo party, Mr Zitto Kabwe, will step down to allow others to rule, emphasising that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4Rs had brought about political reforms.

Mr Kabwe underlined continuing political events, such as internal party deliberations and protest mobilisation, as part of the response to the 4Rs strategy, which aims to reconstruct the nation across multiple areas.

Mr Kabwe was elected to lead the party in 2014, after being expelled from what was his previous party Chadema.

Despite being legally eligible for a 10-year tenure, he has chosen to step down for a year to allow for the smooth continuation of party activities, including preparations for local and national elections.

He emphasised the importance of avoiding overlapping elections, especially during the general election cycle, to provide a more focused and effective democratic process.

Also read: What court ruling means for Zitto's political future 

The 4Rs represent Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding, and are essential for addressing the current social, political, and economic issues in the country.

According to Mr Kabwe, during his tenure leading the party, significant progress has been achieved. However, he emphasises the ongoing need for work to further develop the party, which is why he advocates embracing new ideas.

Also read: Is Zitto keeping his rivals closer? 

“A leader must know when to step in and when to step back. This promotes respect among members and the community, ensuring a legacy,” said Mr Kabwe, emphasising his commitment to leaving the party in a strong position and nurturing its growth.

Expounding on his stance, he added: ‘If I failed to initiate changes within the party during my ten-year leadership, adding more time would not bring about new developments. This is why we must welcome fresh perspectives. Numerous young individuals are full of potential, but ultimately, it is up to the members to decide. While some have urged me to continue, I have declined, as a leader must adhere to the constitution they have established.”

Speaking on 4Rs

President Hassan introduced the 4Rs philosophy last year, emphasising its role in maintaining peace and stability in Tanzania and underscoring that Tanzania, a democratic nation with 17 political parties, utilises elections as the means through which one party earns the mandate to govern.

“I observe that since January last year, we have been hosting public meetings, along with party gatherings, and as you watched recently, demonstrations were permitted to go without interruption. While this represents substantial progress, it is still insufficient,”remarked Mr Zitto.

Mr Kabwe advocated for the adoption of a new Constitution, asserting that it would establish the framework necessary for fostering reforms, national cohesion, tolerance, and reconciliation within the country’s systems.

“The President’s philosophy of 4Rs, at least shows the direction that if she goes against it, you can criticise her and say is this a 4R? For example, people would protest and be blocked and beaten, we would criticize the President and tell her this is the 4R this is the reconciliation. Is this a reform? Is this resilience? Is this a rebuild? Why is it the same, why are people still being beaten?”

Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of the 4Rs in current legislation.

Although not entirely satisfactory, laws have been established on the mainland for instance, the president cannot simply wake up one morning and announce the formation of an election commission; there’s a mandated process.

 “It wouldn’t be unfair to claim that the situation remains unchanged; it’s vastly different. Today, I drive alone whereas four years ago, two car escorts and a security guard were deemed necessary. Now, they’re unemployed. I’m not as worried as I was back then,” he emphasized.

Additionally, it’s not automatic for a municipal director to assume the role of election supervisor; the commission now has the authority to select any qualified individual for the position, representing a significant advancement from previous practices.

He added currently, ACT-Wazalendo, since permission was given to the parties to hold meetings, has already held meetings in 17 regions and the meetings are ongoing. A big step has been taken but it will not be sufficient until the new constitution is found as it will bring more reforms.

In addition to that, the important thing is to build legal foundations and it should not be a philosophy based on the beliefs of the current President.

According to him, at least have something that can be used to oppose or defend the current leader. Therefore, it is a big step and every President has had his philosophy, Julius Nyerere was socialist, Ali Hassan Mwinyi reformed the economy, Benjamin Mkapa was truth and transparency, Jakaya Kikwete (Ari Mpya).

“Those were slogans but at least this one has come up with a philosophy that can be used to accuse her that you said you want reconciliation, people can’t hold their internal meetings, is that reconciliation?”

 “I think the President is doing a good thing to come up with a philosophy that guides and we will use it to show the steps taken but also to criticize the foundations that have been laid,” he insisted.