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TANZANIA is a critical ally of Zimbabwe and has stood by the country on many international fora. Relations between the two countries have their roots in the liberation struggle when Tanzania played a pivotal role in providing sanctuary for training and mobilisation to liberation movements in southern Africa. Both ZANU and ZAPU had their military wings in Tanzania as the country hosted the Liberation Committee headed by the late Retired Brigadier-General Hashim Mbita. Zimbabwe and Tanzania’s relations have continued to blossom after independence, culminating in the signing of several bilateral agreements. So it was not so much of a sombre moment when Tanzanian Ambassador Professor Emmanuel Mbennah hosted a farewell dinner for friends and staff at the Tanzanian Club at the end of his tenure in Zimbabwe on 31 October 2022. Our Group Political Editor Ranga Mataire (RM) caught up with Ambassador Emmanuel Mbennah (EM) the night before his departure as he shared his sentiments about his stay in Zimbabwe.

RM: You started your service in 2020 and you are leaving on November 1, 2022. What can you say are the major highlights of your service in Zimbabwe?

EM: The major highlights of my time include initiating discussion and supporting the process in which Hon Minister Monica Mutsvangwa (Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services) led a media team from Zimbabwe to collect information from which a documentary has been produced on the life in the liberation bases in Tanzania.

Also, through further strengthened bilateral relations, there is increased trade between Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Another highlight, perhaps a set of highlights, are the numerous platforms, including the media and conferences, which I accessed to stand with Zimbabwe in calling for the removal of the sanctions against Zimbabwe.

Another highlight is the launch – by His Excellency the President – of the Mount Meru Millers oil production factory, a Tanzania Company. The list of my highlights would not be complete without a mention of my visits to the beautiful parts of Zimbabwe – especially Victoria Falls, Nyanga, and Great Zimbabwe.

RM: Zimbabwe and Tanzania share historical bonds that date back to the liberation struggle when your country hosted numerous liberation movements including ZANU and ZAPU. Do you think the present generation appreciate and understand the role played by Tanzania in the liberation of Southern Africa?

EM: I am very thankful that the historical bonds between Tanzania and Zimbabwe are as strong as ever. I am very thankful too for the living memories of the role Tanzania played, alongside many other countries, in supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, which culminates in the attainment of independence in 1980.

However, there is a need to renew and intensify efforts to inform and educate younger and subsequent generations on that history. That history is of critical importance in engendering inspiration to protect both the bonds between Tanzania and Zimbabwe and the very independence of Zimbabwe.

The media, the diplomats, researchers and academic institutions have particular roles to play and responsibilities to fulfil.

RM: In the area of trade and economic development, what do you think can be done to improve cooperation between the two countries?

EM: In the area of trade and economic development, I think much more could be done to further improve cooperation between our two countries. Of course, much is happening already. Zimbabwean businessmen use the port of Dar es Salaam to import goods, especially cars.

There are Zimbabwean companies such as Seed Co with operations in Tanzania and Tanzanian companies with operations in Zimbabwe such as Air Tanzania Company, Blue Ribbon Foods, Azam Media and Mount Meru Millers.

But much more can be and should happen. First, there can be cooperation in the production and distribution of fertilisers; production, storage and distribution of green energy; Zimbabwe could share her experience and expertise in the agricultural sector such as dam construction, irrigation schemes, Pfumvudza, and tobacco growing and processing.

Tanzania can contribute to the development and use of KiSwahili language. Both countries have great potential in mining, including in oil and gas. There could be joint efforts in these sectors. The possibilities, opportunities and needs are cast.

RM: Besides being a diplomat, you are also a strategic thinker and intellectual. What do you think is the role of African intellectuals in post-independence Africa and what can be done to mainstream the production of ideas for Africa’s economic development?

EM: Indeed, the African intellectual has a role to play and a duty to fulfil. Africa is politically liberated. But Africa is not fully liberated in mind-set, philosophical orientation and knowledge systems.

Much of Africa still defines its sense of adequacy and draws its self-esteem in terms of western definitions and concepts. There is a need to champion the liberation of these spheres of life. Also, Africa tends to count on and wait for other parts of the globe for solutions to new problems such as pandemics.

The African intellectual and researcher must rise up to contribute to, even champion, change in these areas, key to which is increased cooperation among African scholars.

RM: The late Tanzania leader, President John Magufuli was instrumental in calling for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe including setting the Anti-Sanctions Day. Why is the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe an issue of such great importance to Tanzania?

EM: Tanzania, as SADC and other countries, views the sanctions against Zimbabwe as not only unjustified, but also illegal. The sanctions cause pain to innocent citizens, hurt and hamper efforts meant to promote development among the people of Zimbabwe and the SADC Region.

Tanzania believes the sanctions are achieving nothing to say the least. Even more, Zimbabwe is a country of adult patriots – they love their country, they have a clear and admirable vision for their country and are committed to the necessary reforms for the development of their country.

As such, there is really no need for anyone to assume prefecture to coerce or supervise Zimbabwe, as Zimbabweans work hard to develop their country. Tanzania believes these sanctions should be unconditionally lifted and give Zimbabwe the space to accelerate the development efforts.

RM: Lastly, how do you see the future of Zimbabwe and Tanzania relations in terms of bilateral relations?

EM: The future of the bilateral relations between Tanzania and Zimbabwe will, no doubt, continue to grow, expand and deepen. At the political sphere, our bilateral ties remain strong and, I add, they need to remain strong.

Relations in economic development activities will continue to expand and deepen as both countries participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which provides an excellent framework for interstate trade within Africa and cooperation in the scientific, technological and cultural spheres will also grow, as the existing Memoranda of Understanding are implemented and those pending are finalised and implemented. The two countries and their peoples can expect and can look forward to new heights of bilateral cooperation in all these spheres.

RM: Thank you Your Excellency and all the best as your return home to Dar es Salaam.