President appoints new envoys

Bernard lugongo

TANZANIA has extended its international wing after President John Magufuli appointed 21 ambassadors to represent the country abroad.

Six of them are destined for new embassies set for opening.
The new embassies for launching are allocated in Algeria, Israel, South Korea, Sudan, Qatar and Turkey.

The remaining 15 are going to fill the posts left vacant in Tanzania’s embassies in Beijing (China), Paris (France), Brussels (European Union headquarters), Muscat (Oman), Rome (Italy), New Delhi (India) and Pretoria (South Africa).
Others are Nairobi (Kenya), Brasilia (Brazil), Maputo (Mozambique), Kinshasa (DR Congo), Kampala (Uganda), Abuja (Nigeria), Moroni (Comoro) and Geneva. Analysts reacted yesterday, suggesting that the move could further justify a ban on foreign travels for public officials.
When he came into power late last year, President Magufuli announced a ban on unnecessary foreign trips for government workers as a crusade to cut costs.
He argued that instead of officials from the government entities travelling abroad to represent the country, such duties would be carried out by the ambassadors in respective countries.
For the new posts, President Magufuli has appointed ambassadors Mbelwa Kairuki, Samuel Shelukindo, Joseph Sokoine, Silima Haji, Abdallah Kilima, Baraka Luvanda and Dr James Msekela.
Others appointed are Mr Sylvester Ambokile, Ms Pindi Chana, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, Mr Rajab Luhwavi, (Rtd) Lieutenant General Paul Ignace Mella, Ms Grace Mgovano, Mr Mohamed Bakari, Mr Job Masima, Mr Omar Mzee, Ms Matilda Masuka, Ms Fatma Rajab, Mr Sylvester Mabumba, Prof Elizabeth Kiondo and Mr George Madafa.
According to the statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, working station for each ambassador will be made public later.