MWE Correspondent
A few days after retired Prime Minister and respected statesman Judge Joseph Warioba urged Tanzania’s major political players—CCM, CHADEMA, and the government—to come together for dialogue aimed at resolving political tensions ahead of the 2025 general elections, the ruling party has responded publicly.
Speaking during a working tour in the Morogoro Region on Monday, May 5, Amos Makalla, the National Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training in CCM’s National Executive Committee, acknowledged Warioba’s appeal. However, he said there is no current basis for such talks, insisting that CCM has no dispute with CHADEMA that would necessitate mediation.
“We deeply respect Judge Warioba and his contributions to this country, but the suggestion for talks assumes there is a conflict that doesn’t exist,” Makalla said while addressing supporters in Morogoro South-East constituency. “In fact, we enjoy a cordial relationship with CHADEMA and have been working together in various democratic platforms, particularly through the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD), which they currently chair.”
Makalla emphasized that inter-party cooperation, especially within TCD, has remained constructive, and there has been no breakdown in communication or collaboration. According to him, the political environment does not call for crisis talks between parties.
Instead, he suggested that if there is any mediation needed, it might be more useful within CHADEMA itself. “We believe Judge Warioba’s wisdom could be more impactful in helping resolve internal divisions within CHADEMA, which seem more pressing at the moment,” he said, alluding to the reported wrangles that followed the party’s internal elections earlier this year.
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On the same day, Makalla welcomed over 20 former CHADEMA members who announced they were crossing over to CCM. Among them was Seleman Chanzi, a former parliamentary candidate, who said the move was motivated by what he described as a lack of clarity and direction in the opposition’s policies.
As the country moves closer to the general elections, calls for political cooperation and unity remain a key talking point. However, CCM’s position suggests that, for now, they see the path to election day as one that can proceed without special reconciliation meetings—at least from their side of the aisle.
The situation continues to evolve, and observers will be watching closely to see whether political leaders will eventually meet across the table, as Warioba has advised.
