Lyn Frans
President Samia’s visit to the Vatican holds particular significance due to the ongoing unrest in the neighboring DR Congo. The DRC has been grappling with political tensions, armed conflict, and a worsening humanitarian situation. By engaging with Pope Francis, known for his efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation, President Samia seeks to address regional concerns and explore avenues for stability in the Great Lakes region.
Her visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis somewhat sparked interest and speculation, especially in light of recent events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting between President Samia and Pope Francis comes at a crucial time when the region is facing various challenges, including political instability and humanitarian crises.
The timing of President Samia’s visit is also noteworthy considering Pope Francis’ earlier visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo last year. During his visit, the Pope emphasized the importance of peace, justice, and reconciliation in the region, urging leaders to work towards resolving conflicts and promoting unity among diverse communities.
The meeting between President Samia and Pope Francis underscores the shared commitment to peacebuilding and dialogue in Africa. As both leaders engage in discussions on regional challenges and opportunities for cooperation, there is hope for renewed efforts towards sustainable peace and development in the Great Lakes region.
According to the Holy See Press Office reports that President Samia met with the Holy Father Francis on February 12, 2024, and subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
It’s reported that President Samia and Pope Francis had a conversation about the church’s role in the provision of social services in Tanzania, challenges faced by Tanzania, and the exchange of views on the regional situation and current international events, with the two agreeing on the ever-greater commitment to the promotion of peace.
Started in 1868, the Catholic church is the oldest in the country. In education, the church has about 240 pre-primary schools, 147 primary schools, 245 secondary schools, 110 vocational training, 13 teachers training colleges, and four universities.
In the health sector, the church has about 328 dispensaries, 52 Health Centers, 14 Designated District Hospitals (DDH), and 29 Voluntary Agency Hospitals (VA). The provision of social services is one of President Samia’s flagship policy areas, meaning any discussion around this area re-affirms her policies.
It is worth to mention Samia’s trip comes a year since the Pope visited DRC Congo and South Sudan. In DRC Congo the Pope made a staunch speech telling he world’s powerful ‘hands-off Africa’.
Understanding that President Samia is sympathetic to the Congo struggle, it’s expected that the Congo issue is one of the items that was raised in the regional issues discussion to solidify global support for the DRC Congo plea.
On November 24, 2022, President Samia emphasized that DRC’s destiny is tied to the rest of East African Community countries. President Samia has made true to her word, that Tanzania is currently active in DRC under the SADC forces.
Another issue that is worth mentioning in this trip is a disagreement between the government and the Catholic church that emanated in August 2023.
On August 18, 2023, Catholic Bishops in the country issued a critical statement against the Tanzania-Dubai port agreement, an agreement which set the ground for the Dubai firm DP World to operate, and develop Tanzania ports.
The statement which equated the deal with selling off Tanzania ports was read in thousands of Catholic churches across the country, reaching millions.
While this was not the first instance, this was one of the rare moments in recent times where the church had tension with the government. Even when the government proceeded with the deal Catholic clergies complained that they were tricked into attending the signing ceremony.
With few months before the civic election and the 2025 general election, a conversation between the Pope and the Tanzania President is a great political achievement for President Samia, especially because Catholics are one of the most organized voting blocks in the country.
President Samia’s Vatican visit to Pope Francis holds significant implications for regional dynamics, particularly in relation to the developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The meeting serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration towards addressing pressing issues and fostering peace in a region marred by conflict and instability.
Additional Source:The Holy See Press
