Tanzania News Highlights: SADC Summit, Mourning of Prof. Sarungi, Oil Sector Engagement

On March 6, 2025, the SADC held a virtual summit to discuss DRC’s security and SAMIDRC’s mandate. Tanzania mourns Professor Philemon Sarungi, a former Defense Minister. Deputy PM Doto Biteko met oil executives during the East African Petroleum Conference. Tundu Lissu critiques the legacy of an ‘imperial presidency’ in Tanzania and Uganda.

On March 6, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held a virtual Extraordinary Summit, attended by leaders from various member states to discuss the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the meeting reviewed the SAMIDRC mandate report. The SADC Secretariat stated that a final decision regarding the SAMIDRC mission will be made at the forthcoming Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, following discussions of the Defence Sub-Committee’s recommendations.

The nation of Tanzania is mourning the loss of Professor Philemon Sarungi, a former Minister of Defense, who passed away on March 5, 2025. Sarungi, who was born on March 23, 1936, was a renowned specialist surgeon before establishing a political career. Current Minister of Defense Stergomena Tax expressed deep condolences on social media, underscoring Sarungi’s significant contributions to the nation’s health and defense sectors. Politician Zitto Kabwe also reflected on Sarungi as a mentor during his early parliamentary days.

Deputy Prime Minister Doto Biteko engaged with executives from the oil and gas sector during the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025. He met with executives like Wang Juteng of CNOOC to discuss participation in Tanzania’s upcoming fifth oil and gas licensing round. Additionally, discussions were held with Nick Lenstra of Rock Mountain and Farhiya Warsame of Rashal Energies regarding natural gas conversion and the expansion of CNG pipelines to increase accessibility for Tanzanians.

Tundu Lissu, the chairman of CHADEMA, delivered remarks at Makerere University, suggesting that the concept of an “imperial presidency” in Uganda and Tanzania originates from Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s legacy. Lissu asserted that the shift from a parliamentary democracy to an executive presidency under Nyerere has set a precedent that has persisted in both nations. His lecture focused on the lasting impact of Nyerere’s constitutional legacy.

In summary, the key events covered include the SADC Summit addressing the DRC’s security and SAMIDRC’s future, the mourning of Professor Philemon Sarungi by the Tanzanian public, Deputy Prime Minister Doto Biteko’s discussions with oil executives at the East African Petroleum Conference, and Tundu Lissu’s critique of the legacy of an imperial presidency in both Tanzania and Uganda. These stories highlight significant developments in regional security, governance, and the oil and gas sector in Tanzania.

Original Source: thechanzo.com

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

View all posts by Allegra Nguyen →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *