Magufuli tactics is a threat to democracy

Tanzania president John Magufuli won with a promise of fighting corruption. He started well by showing up unannounced in different state offices where he demanded answers to spot questions. At first his move was seen as noble, genuine and fair play to the corrupt officials who for ages benefited from the corrupt system.

Moreover, in the instances where the president vacated from his official duties to act as watchdog of his administration turned out to be a bluff that only the likes of Saddam Hussein would approve.

Magufuli got off truck by silencing the voice of the people who pointed areas of his failing presidency. Magufuli turned his war on corruption to war on the voice of dissent. Politicians who openly opposed Magufuli dictatorial tendencies ended up in jail. Cabinet ministers who have in different ways tried their best to cope with one man show fighting corruption have ended up resigning or losing their jobs for questioning the president's’ tactics in silencing his critics.

The war on corruption that started as a genuine noble cause is now a theatre of settling political scores. The media which remains to be the only institution to hold the public officials accountable of their deeds have been shut down. The world might be silent at this time but when the power of the people comes calling, there would be no stopping the voice of reason until the tenets of democracy once again find hope in the dark political web experience in Tanzania.

Leaders with Magufuli tendencies may hold up until the end of their terms if by all means to they don’t add unconstitutional terms to their term limits. However, after their departure that’s when true democracy, accountability and transparency is realized.