The newly appointed Chief Justice of Tanzania, George Masaju, has pledged to remain a dedicated public servant, despite his elevation to the highest judicial office in the country.
Speaking after taking the oath of office on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma, Justice Masaju reaffirmed his commitment to public service.
Justice Masaju becomes the ninth Chief Justice in the history of the Tanzanian judiciary and the seventh Tanzanian to hold the position. He was appointed on June 13, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, succeeding Chief Justice Ibrahim Juma, whose tenure had ended.
“Your Excellency the President, when you were swearing in the Deputy Prime Minister in Zanzibar, you stated that we, as leaders, are public servants. We come from the people, and we are accountable to the people,” said Chief Justice Masaju.
Before his appointment, Masaju served as the Legal Advisor to the President and as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. He has also held several senior legal positions, including Attorney General during the Fourth and Fifth Phases of Government, Deputy Attorney General, and Presidential Legal Advisor during the Fourth Phase.
“When I was sworn in as Deputy Attorney General, journalists asked me a question. I told them, ‘Listen, I am a servant, just call me a servant,'” Chief Justice Masaju recounted.
He emphasized that the Judiciary’s core mandate is to deliver justice and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors. He also promised to collaborate with fellow judges to expand access to judicial services and ensure timely justice for all citizens.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Samia Suluhu Hassan reminded the Judiciary of the public’s expectation for justice to be served fairly and promptly. She stressed the importance of accountability and efficiency, saying these qualities are essential to maintaining public trust in the judicial system.
The President urged Chief Justice Masaju to continue with the reforms started by retired Chief Justice Ibrahim Juma, particularly the implementation of recommendations from the Criminal Justice Commission.
“Go and review what we proposed, identify what remains, and let’s work on implementing it so that justice stands strong in our country,” said President Samia.
She also underscored the need for collaboration among the three branches of government, noting that cooperation between the Executive and the Judiciary should not be misinterpreted as interference.
Retired Chief Justice Ibrahim Juma echoed the President’s sentiments, noting a common misconception that judicial independence is compromised when the Judiciary engages with other arms of government.
He clarified that such cooperation is often aimed at mobilizing national resources, which are managed by the other branches of government, and can be used to expand the Judiciary’s ability to dispense justice effectively.
“We must collaborate. However, if you listen too much to social media, you’ll find that many people misinterpret judicial independence. They believe that cooperation with other branches undermines it,” said Justice Juma.
He advised Chief Justice Masaju:”Do not hesitate to seek the support of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, because she is a key enabler. Indeed, she has supported us greatly,” he concluded.
