Lecture Notes: Autocracy and Democracy in Tanzania

Introduction

• Until 2016, Tanzania was often described as peaceful and poor.
• Transitioned from a single-party autocracy to a multi-party democracy in 1992.
• Described as a "transitioning democracy" with potential but essentially a controlled authoritarian state.

Personal Background

• Born in Zanzibar, Tanzania; became a corporate litigator in the late 1990s.
• Ran a weekly column advocating for democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

Political Changes

• John Pombe Magufuli became president in late 2015, reverting Tanzania to autocracy.
• Promised wealth and end to corruption in exchange for reduced democracy.
• Claimed that rule of law was too slow to handle corruption effectively.

Rise of Autocracy

• Public campaign of fear began by late 2016.
• Incidents of violence, such as bombings and shootings, against opposition and activists.
• Press faced censorship; personal column canceled in early 2016.

Personal Impact

• Experienced personal and professional attacks, including smear campaigns and disbarment.
• Office was bombed; allies and clients faced violence and imprisonment.

Resistance and Advocacy

• Despite fear, continued to advocate for democracy via social media platforms like Twitter.
• Gained significant following as "Shangazi Wataifa" advocating for democracy and rule of law.
• Ran for and was elected president of the Tanganyika Law Society in 2018.

Challenges and Achievements

• Faced censorship attempts by government institutions.
• Continued activism through court cases against the government.
• Permanently disbarred in 2020 but maintained advocacy through community support.

Change and Hope

• President Magufuli's death in March 2021 led to a period of potential transition back to democracy.
• Tanzania is at a crossroads: could become a stable democracy or revert to autocracy.

Conclusion

• Importance of standing up for democracy, whether in a full or transitioning democracy.
• Encouragement for those in autocracies to find allies and continue the fight for democracy.

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• Key Takeaway: Engage actively in maintaining democracy and support those in autocratic regimes.