Tanzania: First Woman Defence Minister Announced

Tanzanian president, Samia Suluhu, made history during her cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, 12 September, when she announced the country’s first female minister of defence.

Dr Stergomena Tax will take over as head of the Ministry of Defence and National Service, just two days after she took her place as a Member of Parliament. The position was previously held by Elias John Kwandikwa, who passed away from undisclosed causes last month.

Dr Tax is the first woman ever to serve in the critical position.

Judge Eliezer Feleshi will replace Adelardus Kilangi as attorney general, while the latter will see himself redeployed as an ambassador. On the same day, President Suluhu also revoked the appointment of three cabinet ministers.

Those sacked include Faustine Ndugulile, Leonard Chamuriho and Medard Kalemani, the respective former ministers of Communications, Transport, and Energy.

The incoming heads for the respective departments are Dr Ashatu Kijaji, Professor Makame Mbarawa and January Makamba.

All of the new appointees will be sworn in by midday today, Monday 13 September.

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