How Suluhu changed public perception of female leaders

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 lacks logic for Mama Suluhu to curtail activists from neighbouring countries 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, Mozambique's Mozambique Liberation Front, and Angola's People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola 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 and Ugandan 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 Nyerere empathised with fellow Africans who were going through colonial torture, why is Suluhu violating that same spirit? Interestingly, she is the leader of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi which 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, 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 Magufuli, whose passing sent shockwaves across the African continent. Despite 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 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