I originally published this article on my medium page on March 29, 2018. However, as the nation has decided to raise the Freedom Torch once again on Mount Kilimanjaro in commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Tanzania union, I have decided to republish it here with slight changes to the title.
“We will light a candle on Mount Kilimanjaro which will shine beyond our borders, giving hope where there is despair, love where there is hate, and dignity where before there was only humiliation.”
These are the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s words, from his 1959 speech when addressing the Tanganyika colonial legislature (LEGCO). It was a vision put forth for a new nation to come; it was a dream of many people, not just in Tanganyika but in many African countries.
Two years later, this dream was realized when Tanganyika attained its full independence on December 9, 1961, with Major Alexander Gwebe Nyirenda raising the torch of freedom on top of the tallest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro.
While there are many powerful elements in the speech, for reflection I will focus on the phrase ‘Giving hope where there is despair’. Going back to 1959, these words were critical to a nation that had suffered years of abuse and humiliation, with citizens who were foreshadowed by years of pain that reduced their confidence, these words meant life and life to a new nation.
READ: Tanzania to Raise Its Freedom Torch Again on Mount Kilimanjaro After Sixty-Three Years
It was a statement of assurance of the future regardless of the hardship, a composure of resilience and determination that united Tanzanians. To date, the same words continue to linger in our midst; as we walk to the ballot paper in different elections, as we participate in dialogue about better policies for our nation, it is Hope that we want to nourish, sustain, and keep alive.
These ideals have been reflected in each phase of the government; from the father of the nation with the Arusha declaration, Ali Hassan Mwinyi with an open market economy, Benjamin Mkapa with privatization, to Jakaya Kikwete on the development aspect of Ari Mpya, Kasi Mpya, and Nguvu Mpya. Each phase, wanted to emphasize a better tomorrow, the assurance that people should not lose hope in their institution, in themselves, or their communities but strides forward, even when the future seems to be bleak.
I wouldn’t question the resilience of Tanzanians nor the value that we hold dear, but I will sincerely ask, are we still a hopeful nation? Does our environment inspire hope or despair? As a young Tanzania am compelled by circumstances to ask this question.
Our political atmosphere has changed to ‘us vs them’, anything related to opposition parties is branded evil, malicious, or an enemy of the state. Dissenting opinions are categorized as unpatriotic regardless of the facts or empirical reasoning behind them.
In an attempt to survive the crackdown, the media have shifted from professional articulation of unbiased fact and truthfulness to public relations of what seems to be pleasant. Insecurity is another main concern, we now have ‘unknown assailants’ who attempted to assassinate a member of parliament, abduct citizens, and make citizens disappear, Is this hope?
Is this what we foresee when we gain independence? Just today almost all leaders of the leading opposition party were arraigned for sedition and other charges, is it really necessary? [Referring to an incident on March 29, 2018].
READ: Hope is Truly a Dangerous Thing: Is Tanzania Going Back to the Dark Days?
While in the past, the nation had little to nothing, people were clinging to hope and inspiration from their leader’s speeches and actions. The influence of Tanzania was not from the mighty of its military or its economic dominance, but the lingering hope enshrined in its values that shone beyond its borders. Reminiscing this past, our politics is now engrained with fear and intimidation rather than inspiration, leadership by persuasion, dialogue, and negotiation is now perceived as a weakness.
When did our values change to a breeding ground for despair, when did we lose faith in our ‘Uhuru na Umoja’? We are strengthened in our resolve as one nation and not in any element of division, bigotry, or malice; whether it’s partisan, tribal, or religious.
Our nation should preserve the dignity of all Tanzanians by striding towards economic prosperity, instead of rolling back to the colonial master’s ways of intimidation, terror, and disdain.
We are set to fail when we act oppressively by cracking down on dissenting voices, and media or when using oppressive and draconian laws to limit people’s freedom. As Mwalimu once said, “Of all the sins that Africa can commit, the sin of despair would be the most unforgivable”, we should not let our nation fall to despair.
Tony Alfred K is a writer and analyst working with The Chanzo. He can be reached at tony@thechanzo.com and on X @tonyalfredk. These are the writer’s own opinions, and they do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Chanzo Initiative. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editor at editor@thechanzo.com.
One Response
Hope is born of and backed by justice – not only legal justice but also social justice. In today’s Tanzania, legal justice has suffered over the last decade or so. And social justice even more as our society is experiencing widening social division between a few filthy rich and many hopelessly poor. Where then is the hope for Hope?