Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have affirmed their commitment to addressing their shared colonial past in an effort to strengthen the ties between the two countries.
During bilateral discussions at the State House in Dar es Salaam, the two leaders pledged to engage in open negotiations to reach a consensus on Germany’s colonial legacy in Tanzania. President Samia expressed her optimism in starting talks that would shed light on the past and address the repatriation of artefacts and human remains currently held in German museums.
Germany ruled mainland Tanzania, then known as Tanganyika, from the 1880s until 1918 when it was seized by British forces during World War I. Acknowledging this dark chapter, President Steinmeier expressed Germany’s readiness to repatriate the artefacts and human remains to Tanzania.
As part of his visit, President Steinmeier will pay tribute to the victims of the 1905-1907 Majimaji rebellion and meet with their descendants. He will visit the Majimaji War Museum and the Majimaji Primary School in Songea District, Ruvuma Region, which are significant historical landmarks in Tanzania’s liberation movement against German colonialism. This visit marks the first time a German state representative has met with the relatives of Majimaji War victims.
President Samia emphasized the longstanding and successful relationship between Tanzania and Germany, spanning over six decades. She highlighted the need to strengthen economic ties and increase investment and trade, particularly in the tourism industry. With numerous German travelers already visiting Tanzania, the potential for further growth and collaboration in this sector remains untapped.
The two presidents also discussed the importance of business and investment relationships for social and economic development. President Samia noted that there are currently 178-180 German projects operating at various levels in Tanzania. President Steinmeier, accompanied by a business delegation, expressed his hope that the visit would stimulate economic relations and pave the way for new business prospects.
Additionally, the leaders explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as gender equality and women’s empowerment. President Samia highlighted Tanzania’s focus on the economic empowerment of women through the Gender-responsive Public and Private Quality Care project and expressed interest in collaborating with Germany on this front. Both presidents recognized the importance of building young people’s capacity in the digital economy.
In conclusion, President Samia assured President Steinmeier that Tanzania is prepared to host the next negotiations on development cooperation in 2024. The two nations have a strong diplomatic history and have collaborated on various strategic sectors, including trade and investment, water, health, biodiversity conservation, finance management, tourism, and cultural heritage.
This renewed dialogue and regular consultations between Tanzanian and German experts are aimed at improving existing areas of cooperation and identifying new areas that benefit the economies of both countries. The visit of President Steinmeier and his delegation serves not only to strengthen bilateral ties but also to deepen the economic partnership between the two nations beyond politics.
