Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan Enacts Major Cabinet Reshuffle

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has fired two senior government officials, including the foreign minister, in a mini-cabinet reshuffle. The shake-up comes as Hassan aims to regain trust from foreign powers by pursuing economic and political reforms. The dismissal follows controversial comments by the information minister about election transparency.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made significant changes within her cabinet, removing two senior officials including Foreign Minister January Makamba, her office announced. This reshuffling is part of Hassan's effort to restore foreign trust in her administration's economic and political reform programs.

Besides Makamba, the minister of information, communication, and information technology, Nape Nnauye, was also dismissed. Both were influential figures within the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. The presidency did not specify reasons for their removal, and neither official immediately responded to requests for comments.

Nnauye's dismissal followed a controversial statement he made, which was widely criticized as undermining efforts to improve democratic processes. To fill their positions, Hassan appointed Mahmoud Thabit Kombo as foreign affairs minister and Jerry Silaa as the new minister of information, communication, and information technology. Kombo previously served as Tanzania's ambassador to Italy, while Silaa was the minister of lands, housing, and human settlements development. Additional appointments were also made for other ministerial and deputy roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)