From providing health services for expectant mothers and bringing electricity to rural villages – to working with schools to improve primary education and supporting new businesses that employ thousands of people – we made important strides together.
These programmes are just a small part of our wide-ranging partnership now in its sixth decade. Throughout that time, Tanzania has weathered and overcome numerous challenges and obstacles – and throughout it all, Tanzanians remained true to their strength of character and community. Indeed, as a diplomat I have learned a lot from Tanzanians' focus on consultation and consensus-building which has served the country well in making significant advances over the years.
From my perspective as a long-serving, career diplomat who has grown to love this great nation, it strikes me that today Tanzania is at a vital crossroads. Tanzania has potential – indeed is ready – to take the next giant economic and democratic step forward. And on that path is a peaceful, prosperous, secure and stable democracy – where people have a voice as invested partners, and they feel confident and safe to responsibly use that voice to actively contribute to society and to the development of the country. Down this path, people participate in every aspect of public life.
Foreign investors are excited to partner with Tanzanian entrepreneurs who confidently start new business. The economy grows. Government institutions are transparent and accountable to the citizens. Schools provide a quality education to all students regardless of sex or origin. Everyone has equal access to medical care and services. The youth bulge turns into a youth dividend as young people have access to jobs and opportunities. The police uphold rule of law and the rights of civilians. Constitutional freedoms, including freedom of speech and the press, are protected, respected and encouraged. In this direction, Tanzania's vast potential will undoubtedly be fully realized.
At this same crossroads, however, is another path. One which leads to a Tanzania where people are afraid to use their voice, and where development stagnates. Down this road, entrepreneurs hang back from starting new business due to stifling or inconsistently applied regulations. Government institutions remain susceptible to corruption and inefficiencies. Schools and medical centers do not have the resources they need.
And are unable to serve those who need them. The security forces are feared and operate outside the rule of law. People distrust their neighbors and wonder where their loyalties lie. Citizens are afraid to offer their views – limiting the debate that is so often needed to come up with the best way forward. In this direction, the efforts of millions of hard-working, talented Tanzanians – especially young Tanzanians – will see a less certain future.
Which path will it be? The preferred route is clear, and to take that road is not always easy. It takes hard work, patience, and even courage. Yet Tanzanians already enjoy a great advantage – that spirit of collaboration, consultation, and community which runs so deep here.
I've witnessed this spirit each and every day for the past four years, and embracing and building on these strengths will benefit the country for years to come. As I depart Tanzania this month, I am reminded of what Mwalimu Julius Nyerere said when he met President Kennedy at the White House in 1963 – with friends in the world, in all parts of the world, we are certain to win.” Indeed, we should join hands and take this path together.
Virginia Blaser is Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America Embassy to Tanzania
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