Ex-ministers reinstated as Tanzania's President makes her fourth cabinet reshuffle this year

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has initiated her fourth cabinet reshuffle of the year, marking the 14th such change since she took office in 2021.

This latest reshuffle, announced on Wednesday evening, sees the reinstatement of former ministers Palamagamba Kabudi and William Lukuvi to key positions, while Angela Kairuki and long-serving health minister Ummy Mwalimu have been removed from their posts.

According to a statement by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, Palamagamba Kabudi, a renowned law professor and former foreign minister, has been appointed as the Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, a role previously held by Pindi Chana, who at once served as Tanzanian ambassador to Kenya.

Chana, in turn, has been redeployed as the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, a portfolio she held in the past.

William Lukuvi has been appointed as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, responsible for policy, parliament, and coordination.

Kabudi and Lukuvi were initially removed from the cabinet in January 2022, with President Samia expressing concerns that some ministers were overly focused on the upcoming 2025 elections.

This reshuffle also includes significant changes in the Attorney General's Office, where Hamza Johari, a senior aviation expert, has been appointed as Attorney General, replacing Eliezer Feleshi, who has been promoted to the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal.

Johari is known in Kenyan aviation circles for his decision to suspend Kenya Airways' flight services between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in January 2024, following Kenya's refusal to grant the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right to Air Tanzania Company Limited for all cargo services.

These changes are seen as part of President Samia's broader efforts to realign her government ahead of next year's general elections.