ENTRE News – Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan fired two senior ministers in a mini cabinet reshuffle following controversial comments regarding the election. This step was taken ahead of next year’s national elections. Information, Communications and IT Minister Nape Nnauye, one of the sacked ministers, was captured in a viral video last week saying “victory in elections is not always determined by the number of votes in the ballot box”.
“Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has been appointed as the new member of parliament and minister for foreign affairs and East African cooperation to replace January Makamba whose appointment was revoked,” according to a presidential statement.
Jerry Silaa, previously Minister of Land Development, Housing and Settlements — was appointed to replace Nnauye. A viral clip of Nnauye emerged last week in which he said: “Victory in elections is not always determined by the number of votes in the ballot box but depends on who counts and announces the results.”
The video drew widespread criticism, from both the opposition and ruling parties, who said the statement did not reflect its stance. Nnauye apologized for the clip, saying his comments were meant as a joke and he was quoted out of context.
But local media reported opposition politician John Mnyika as saying the statement “shows what has been planned within the government and the ruling party”.
The shake-up also has analysts speculating about the 2025 elections, in which Hassan is expected to contest.
“I think this is a power play ahead of next year’s general elections,” said University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Abel Kinyondo.
The move follows his decision in early July to appoint a new intelligence chief.
“Suleiman Abubakar Mombo was appointed to replace Ali Idi Siwa who retired,” said the presidency.
Hassan, who was vice president at the time, took office in 2021 following the death of John Magafuli. Since taking office, Hassan has moved away from Magafuli’s authoritarian policies and initiated political reforms, including easing some restrictions on the media and the opposition.