Why Sokoine Biography Now in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan said the biography of former Prime Minister Edward Sokoine is a fitting tribute to his legacy and a valuable resource for Tanzanian history.

It was noted that the biography, compiled by the Uongozi Institute and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and launched yesterday, will not only preserve memories but also provide testimony and honor his contributions.

This biography of Edward Moringe Sokoine has been written to preserve memories, provide testimony and honor his contributions to national development,” she said during the launch of the Kiswahili biography.

From 1977 to 1980 and again from 1983 to 1984, Sokoine served as Prime Minister. As a result of a road accident between Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, he was killed at the age of 45 on April 12, 1984.

President Samia highlighted the importance of this biography, especially since over 81 percent of Tanzanians were born after Sokoine’s death. Through it, we gain a better understanding of Tanzania’s history, and we can learn from the challenges he faced and the lessons he taught.

In April this year, I attended the memorial for the late Sokoine in Monduli Juu. As I mentioned, 81.21 percent of Tanzanians are under the age of 40 according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census (PHC). Therefore, only one Tanzanian was born before Sokoine passed away in 1984 out of every five. As a result, preparing records such as these is extremely important.”

According to President Samia, the late Sokoine was a hardworking and dedicated individual who led Tanzania during difficult economic times during the 1970s and 1980s, exacerbated by the oil crisis, the breakup of the East African Community in 1977, and the Kagera War against Idi Amin Dada in 1978/79.

Sokoine championed a government crackdown on economic saboteurs who hoarded essential commodities during the economic crisis and poor local production.

Additionally, she emphasized his commitment to agricultural development during the 1980s, when hunger was a major concern.

According to her, Sokoine’s contributions are further evident in SUA, which was founded in 1984 and named after him.

In his remarks, the president thanked veteran journalists Salva Rweyemamu, Said Nguba, and Professor Issa Shivji for their significant work in gathering all the information and reports and specifically thanked Prof Shivji for writing the thoughtful conclusion to the biography.

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Aside from congratulating Professor Saada Yahya Othman and Mugyabuso Mulokozi for editing the biography, she also thanked Mkuki na Nyota Publishers for publishing it.

In her message to Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango, President Samia expressed her heartfelt gratitude for his tireless efforts in creating the biography. His crucial role in ensuring its preparation and launch was stressed by her.

Dr Philip Mpango, Vice-President, deserves special thanks for his commitment to ensuring the preparation and launch of this book. The Vice-President should be congratulated on a successful mission.”

The President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance was directed to assist retired leaders in writing their own stories in response to the release of Sokoine’s biography.

“This event will inspire other leaders to write their own books. It is my understanding that former President Kikwete (Jakaya) is working hard to complete his work, and I have instructed the Public Service Management to assist him.”

Philip Mpango, vice president, recalled representing President Samia at the memorial for Sokoine, during which he found it difficult to gather sufficient information.

He prepared a report after the event, asking President Samia to approve funding for a biography of Sokoine.

Having to write a biography 40 years after the passing of a leader is a challenging undertaking, and in Sokoine’s case, it was even more challenging.

The fact that many people who knew him personally have passed away made it difficult to get first-hand accounts of his life and experiences.