Tanzania ex-minister Makamba reconciles with President Samia months after Cabinet dismissal
The public display of warmth between the two suggests that the rift may now be resolved, thereby restoring his standing within the government.
Former Tanzanian Foreign Minister and Bumbuli MP January Makamba has rekindled his working relationship with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, months after his abrupt dismissal from the Cabinet in July 2024.
The Citizen newspaper reported that the two displayed warm camaraderie during the president's ongoing tour of Tanga, signalling a political rapprochement that caught many by surprise.
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In July 2024, President Samia removed Makamba from his position as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation while he was airborne from Accra, Ghana, replacing him with Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
Also dismissed in the reshuffle was Nape Nnauye, who then served as Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology.
No official reason was given for the dismissals, but both Makamba and Nnauye are considered influential figures within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Public display of reconciliation
The first signs of a thaw in relations between Makamba and Samia emerged during the inauguration of the Bumbuli District Council building in the Tanga region of Tanzania.
In a symbolic gesture, the president placed a flower garland on Makamba before the two toured the facility together.
Addressing residents, she openly acknowledged his role in pushing for development projects in Bumbuli.
"Since we have another major meeting in Lushoto, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Bumbuli, led by your MP, your brother, your son, January Makamba," President Samia said.
The reconciliation became even more evident in Lushoto, where, during a public rally attended by ministers, MPs, and regional leaders, the president affectionately called Makamba forward.
"I want to call my son, January, to come here. Let him return to his mother. You all know how we mothers are — if you upset your mother, she gives you a slap and sets aside food for you. Isn't that right?" She quipped before embracing him.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the President rallied them with chants of "January oyeee! Bumbuli oyeee!"
Makamba's gratitude and reflection
Speaking at the event, Makamba expressed his appreciation for having served in President Samia's administration.
"I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me and appointing me as a minister in your government, first for energy and later for foreign affairs and East African cooperation," he said.
Makamba acknowledged the invaluable experience he gained during his tenure, crediting Samia for her mentorship.
"If I have any competence in ministerial work, it is because of your guidance. I sincerely thank you, and this history will stay with me forever," he added.
Beyond the political reconciliation, Makamba took the opportunity to highlight key development initiatives in his constituency.
He highlighted the long-anticipated construction of the Soni-Bumbuli-Dindila-Kwa Shemshi-Korogwe road as a major project for the region.
His renewed closeness with President Samia signals a potential political resurgence for Makamba, who remains a significant player in Tanzanian politics.
The public display of warmth between the two suggests that the rift may now be resolved, thereby restoring his standing within the government.
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