Prominent diplomat vies for Tanzania presidency

TANZANIA (eTN) – Renowned diplomat and former Tanzanian Representative to the United Nations, Dr.

TANZANIA (eTN) – Renowned diplomat and former Tanzanian Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, is vying for the presidency of this African country with great hopes to expose its rich, natural resources across the world.

Dr. Mahiga, a newcomer to Tanzanian politics, had announced his intention to seek nomination for the top country post early this week, saying he will draw a new roadmap for social and economic development for this African nation.

The diplomat who championed tourism promotion in New York during his tour of duty at the United Nations, said he will work hard to see Tanzania achieve high economic development and international exposure.

Dr. Mahiga is well-known among the tourist fraternity for his roles played on campaigning for African tourism at the UN Headquarters in New York and also during his term as President of the UN Security Council a few years back.

During his tour of duty at UN headquarters between 2003 and 2010, Dr. Mahiga championed African peace initiatives and attracted a good number of US travelers to Africa.

He has been actively involved in various United Nations reform initiatives, including co-facilitating negotiations on establishing the Peace building Commission in 2005 and co-chairing intergovernmental consultations on System Wide Coherence reforms, including Delivering as One in eight pilot countries in 2008.

Ambassador Mahiga has been engaged on intergovernmental and informal working groups on issues of development, peace and security, human rights, and strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed him as his Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia from June 2010 to June 2013 when he retired from public service.

Standing among prominent African spokespersons, Dr. Mahiga is counted as a high-profile diplomat with great hopes to move Tanzania forward in the war against corruption and human rights abuse.

Vying for the Tanzanian presidency, Dr. Mahiga combines extensive experience in conflict management, mediation, humanitarianism, and development activities. In particular, Mr. Mahiga has lengthy and pertinent experience in the Horn of Africa and other parts of the continent, which will be invaluable in his new position.

Residents in the Tanzanian capital city of Dar es Salaam welcomed Dr. Mahiga, counting him as a person of high integrity compared to other presidential aspirants.

Tanzania will hold its general elections in October this year to elect a new president to take over from the current one, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, whose 10-year presidential term was terribly marred by corruption scandals and mismanagement of Tanzaniaโ€™s resources.

Corruption scandals had circulated all over the government departments, making Tanzaniaโ€™s ranking among the most corrupt governments in Africa. Voters are now looking for an honest president with integrity who will make this African country achieve the 2025 Millennium Development Goals.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...