DAR ES SALAAM — In a move signaling ongoing turbulence within Tanzania’s leadership, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Suleiman Abubakar Mombo as the new Director-General of the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Services (TISS).
Mr. Mombo replaces Ali Idi Siwa, who held the position for just 11 months, marking the third change in less than two years.
The swearing-in ceremony, held Thursday evening at State House in Dar es Salaam, saw Mr. Mombo taking over from his predecessor, with the President in attendance.
Like previous dismissals, Mr. Siwa’s departure was accompanied by a terse statement from the presidency, offering no specific reasons for the sudden change.
Mr. Mombo’s recent role as Deputy Director at TISS followed a diplomatic assignment in Brazil under Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi.
His swift elevation to the top intelligence post underscores President Samia’s recent pattern of restructuring key positions within her administration.
This latest shake-up coincides with broader personnel changes within the President’s inner circle, including the reassignment of several aides from the Presidential Private Office earlier this month. Among the reassigned were Zuhura Yunus and Felister Mdemu, now serving as deputy permanent secretaries in prominent ministries.
The series of transfers has sparked speculation about the motives behind these movements, especially as Tanzania approaches its next election season. Critics point to growing uncertainty within President Samia’s governance style, contrasting sharply with her initial promises of stability and continuity following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Mr. Siwa, a seasoned civil servant with decades of experience, had previously served as Tanzania’s envoy to Rwanda during a period of strained relations between the two countries. His retirement, announced concurrently with his replacement, adds another layer to the evolving narrative of leadership transitions under President Samia.
The ongoing changes within Tanzania’s intelligence and governmental structure reflect broader regional and international dynamics, with implications that extend beyond the nation’s borders. As the country navigates these shifts, attention remains focused on the upcoming electoral landscape and its potential impact on Tanzania’s political future.
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