Lyn Frans
World leaders often engage in diplomatic visits with the aim of establishing and strengthening bilateral relations with other countries. During these visits, promises and commitments are made in the spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit. However, it is disheartening to see a trend where hasty promises are made without proper consideration or intention of fulfillment.
The art of diplomacy lies in building trust and fostering meaningful relationships between nations. When leaders make promises during diplomatic visits, they create expectations and raise hopes among their counterparts. These promises are often seen as gestures of goodwill and a commitment to collaboration on various issues such as trade, security, and development.
Unfortunately, all too often these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving the receiving end disillusioned and questioning the sincerity of the commitments made.
There is a plethora of promises made, particularly among African leaders to leaders from other parts of the continent.
For example, in December 2010, Rosatom, Russia’s National Nuclear Corporation with over 70 years of experience in the nuclear field, acquired Mantra Resources Ltd, which included the current Mkuju River uranium deposit site for $1.15 billion.
Following the completion of the deal in 2011, the Government of Tanzania, represented by the Managing Director of Mantra Tanzania, Federick Kibodya, engaged in discussions with Vladimire Hlavinka, Vice President of Rosatom. They agreed to engage the Russian-based company Uranium-One to utilize its In-Situ Recovery (ISR) technology at the Mkuju River site designated for uranium extraction, expected to begin by 2013.
ISR technology is a safe mining process where liquids are employed to extract minerals from the ground without excavation.
Rosatom invested $200 million in the project, aiming to establish the Mkuju River Uranium project and Tanzania as the primary uranium producer in Africa, leveraging ISR technology’s environmentally friendly characteristics. During its initial three years of development, the Mkuju project generated over 1,600 employment opportunities for Tanzanians and individuals from other countries with work permits. Additionally, the mining site contributed to the conservation of wildlife within the Selous Game Reserve where it was situated.
The project faced a seven-year stall due to various reasons until 2017 when the Russian State Corporation Rosatom suspended it. A project that was economically supporting over 1,600 individuals.
Delays in bureaucratic processes, challenges, and changes in Tanzania’s mining industry by local authorities and general “unfriendly” legal restrictions aimed at increasing the state’s share of natural resource revenue posed additional obstacles for mining companies like Rosatom in Tanzania, hence the suspension.
Rosatom, has since struck deals with the Namibian Government for a similar Uranium Project, projecting to produce approximately 3000 tonnes of Uranium by 2029. This could have been the situation in Tanzania if not for prolonged bureaucratic procedures and “unfriendly” legal constraints.
Fast forward , In August 2023 The Government of Tanzania through its Energy Minister Doto Biteko , once again expressed the country’s interest in exploring new nuclear technologies , particularly in uranuim ,from other countries to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The disclosure was at the Russia-Africa Summit at St. Petersburg -Moscow .
“We already have Uranuim project, but now we want to look at new technologies from other countries” the Minister said.
Nuclear technologies took centre stage at the Second Russia–Africa Summit, where experts discussed the crucial role of nuclear power to boost growth and development in Africa. The business programme, titled ‘Cooperation in Science and Technology,’ kick-started with a panel discussion titled ‘Nuclear Technologies for the Development of the African Region.’
The experts acknowledged the strategic importance of introducing technologies to ensure energy security, foster sustainable development across various sectors of the economy and enhance scientific and human resource potential.
At the Russia-Africa Summit, Prime Minister Majaliwa, representing the President, unveiled the country’s strategy to boost agricultural growth and emphasized the importance of acquiring an adequate supply of fertilizer for the agenda’s success. He highlighted the necessity to establish more fertilizer factories in Tanzania and expressed the intention to collaborate with Russia for fertilizer exports to Tanzania.
Majaliwa noted that while Tanzania produces 20% of its own fertilizer through livestock, the remaining 80% is imported. Seeking investors for fertilizer production, he mentioned that current production stands at 200,000 tons, falling short of the demand exceeding 800,000 tons. He expressed optimism in reaching the production goal as efforts are underway to increase output.
During the summit’s conclusion, Prime Minister Majaliwa engaged with Russian companies interested in investing in Tanzania. These companies include SEIES (crop processing), Agrovent (perishable crop processing), Unigreen Energy (renewable energy), and TD Glass NN Expo LLC (bottle manufacturing). These companies expressed readiness to invest in Tanzania across various sectors.
Majaliwa discussed potential collaborations with these companies, such as enhancing milk and meat processing capabilities and bolstering the energy sector through solar and geothermal electricity. He assured the companies of a conducive investment environment in Tanzania, citing the country’s strategic location and robust market encompassing neighboring nations.
Highlighting Tanzania’s infrastructure development strategy, including railway networks,well-maintained roads, and proximity to lakes facilitating transportation, Majaliwa emphasized the country’s favorable conditions for trade and investment.
Its been months since these promises were made, unfortunately nothing official has taken place to nurture these future collaborations.
Majority of these promises not fulfilled only make the Leaders and its country look bad .
An example is what recently happened to the President of Ghana Nana Akuffo Addo, who together with his Immediate past Finance Minister Ken Ofori Attah,promised during his 2021 Budget presentation in Parliament , that the $ 400million state-funded National Cathederal would be officially completed and commissioned on the country’s 67th Independence Day Celebration on March 6, 2024.
Three years down the lane and the propose site was still below the foundation state.
The situation cause the country’s biggest opposition party members and MP to “organize a fake commissioning ceremony just to mock the President and his government.
Question is,WHY MAKE PROMISES YOU ARE NOT CERTAIN TO FULFIL? And Why are these must-think through, plan before execution-based promises made in a RUSH?
The failure to follow through on promises not only undermines trust between nations but also hampers the progress of bilateral relations. It erodes the credibility of the promising leader and damages the reputation of the country they represent.
World leaders must exercise caution and responsibility when making promises during diplomatic visits. They should prioritize sincerity and feasibility over expedience and optics. It is imperative that commitments are made with a genuine intention to fulfill them, as empty promises only serve to strain relations and breed skepticism.
The practice of making hasty promises during diplomatic visits without the intention or capacity to fulfill them is detrimental to the credibility and effectiveness of bilateral relations. Leaders must uphold their commitments with integrity and follow through on their promises to ensure the trust and mutual respect essential for successful international cooperation.
