The 48th anniversary of Tanganyika’s independence was celebrated last week. In 1964 Tanganyika merged with Zanzibar to become Tanzania. Throughout its independence, Tanzania has experienced political stability and a significantly greater degree of peace than its neighbours such as Kenya and Rwanda. However, peace has not brought development and prosperity, and the perception is that poverty has deepened and broadened.
It is often said that Tanzania is rich in natural resources, with an abundance of fertile land, substantial mineral deposits, and significant tourist attractions, and yet there is no sign that poverty is likely to decrease in the future. For many years the economy stagnated under misguided African socialist policies, leaving the country one of the most aid-dependent in the world, and for the past 20 years there have been only gradual reforms.
Throughout all of that, Tanzanians have remained respectful of their leaders, but there are signs of discontent emerging. More and more articles critical of the country’s leaders are appearing in the local media, with accusations of dereliction of duty, lack of seriousness, corruption and self-seeking. A small minority are filthy rich, while the vast majority suffer economic deprivation.