MWE Correspondent
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged foreign nations to refrain from dictating Tanzania’s internal affairs over minor aid contributions, emphasizing the country’s sovereignty and the need for self-determination.
Speaking to elders in Dar es Salaam on December 2, 2025, President Samia underscored the importance of focusing on the nation’s future while leaving past grievances behind.
“We will stand and defend this country with all our strength. What has passed is past; let us focus on the future. If our partners claim this is about the Constitution of Tanzania, no one has refused to amend it,” she stated, highlighting Tanzania’s commitment to constitutional processes.
President Samia criticized foreign actors who, she says, impose their preferences on Tanzania. “These excuses are supported by foreign actors who show no shame. They sit abroad and say, ‘Tanzania must do this, must do that.’ Who are you? Have we ever said anything about their affairs? Do they still think they are our masters, our colonizers?” she asked.
Addressing aid and financial support, the President stressed that Tanzania manages its affairs independently. “And all this over a few small amounts of money they give us? Even that money is no longer available; we are doing business so they gain, and we gain. That is how we manage our country,” she said, emphasizing economic self-reliance and national dignity.
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Analysts note that President Samia’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions regarding foreign aid and Tanzania’s engagement with international partners. Over recent years, Tanzania has taken steps to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce dependency on foreign aid, seeking to strengthen domestic industries, agriculture, and trade. Her comments also resonate with long-standing national sentiment about Tanzania’s post-colonial autonomy and its right to make sovereign decisions without external pressure.
Observers say the President’s statements are a reaffirmation of Tanzania’s policy of non-interference and self-determination, reflecting both political assertiveness and a call for mutual respect in international relations. The speech signals that Tanzania intends to chart its own path in governance and economic development, while maintaining partnerships that respect the country’s sovereignty.
President Samia’s address was widely welcomed by local leaders and civil society, who see her stance as a strong message against external meddling and a reinforcement of Tanzania’s commitment to independent policy-making.
