Stephen Masato Wasira was elected Vice Chairperson of Tanzania Mainland’s ruling party, CCM, on January 18, 2024, during the CCM Special National Congress held at the Jakaya Kikwete National Convention in Dodoma. His nomination, made by the CCM National Executive Council, was approved by the congress with an overwhelming 1,910 votes in favor, 7 against, and 4 invalid votes.
The election followed weeks of speculation, with Wasira and former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda being the most discussed candidates. Speaking after his election, Wasira emphasized his commitment to reconciliation as his first priority.
“Now, our Chairperson has a philosophy called 4R, and as his assistant, I want to state right here that the first task we will begin with is fostering reconciliation. Some say no more reconciliation, this is a philosophy. We don’t reconcile with just one person; we reconcile with the entire society,” Wasira said.
Watch: Wasira’s proposed multi-stakeholders reconciliation, a ruse or a real deal?
Wasira’s focus on societal reconciliation comes amid internal tensions within the opposition party CHADEMA. A fierce leadership battle is underway between incumbent Chairperson Freeman Mbowe and Vice Chairperson Tundu Lissu, who accuses Mbowe of leading the party astray during reconciliation talks that he claims were a ruse. Mbowe, on the other hand, argues that without reconciliation, the party would not have been able to hold internal elections.
READ MORE: CHADEMA at a Crossroads: Mbowe vs. Lissu – How It Happened
Distrust in reconciliation efforts has grown due to a deteriorating political environment. Incidents of abductions, political killings, and disappearances continue to cast a shadow over the country, evoking comparisons to the pre-reconciliation period.
“We are reconciling with the whole society, and the society has many stakeholders, including religious leaders, non-governmental organizations, and international communities living here. All these are stakeholders, and we will collaborate with them in fostering reconciliation,” Wasira reiterated.
Born on July 1, 1945, Wasira has served in all phases of Tanzania’s government. In 2023, he was a prominent defender of the ruling CCM during a period of intense public criticism over the controversial Tanzania-Dubai port agreement.
“Investment is not a new thing, but why are there so many lies in this deal?” Wasira asked during a rally in Mtwara on July 19, 2023. “They want the presidency in 2025; some of them are in CCM, and others are in the opposition,” he added.
Several CCM members who defended the port agreement later received government posts, including Kitila Mkumbo and Jerry Silaa, who were appointed as ministers. Johari Hamza, a lawyer who led the negotiation team, is now serving as Attorney General.
However, Wasira, despite his critical role in defending the agreement and providing a nationalist and historical context for its importance, was the only one among the top campaigners not to receive any position until January 18,2025
