The Dege Eco Village project is valued at a staggering $650 million. Photo: Courtesy
Concern as Whistleblower Exposes $650 Million Fraud in Tanzanian Government
By Adonis Byemelwa
In an explosive revelation, Mange Kimambi, a fearless Tanzanian whistleblower now residing in the United States, has dropped a bombshell on the Tanzanian government, accusing it of rampant corruption and financial misconduct.
Kimambi, renowned for her relentless pursuit of exposing governmental scandals, claims that the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is entangled in deeply questionable activities, especially in settling debts inherited from previous regimes.
These allegations paint a grim picture of a government embroiled in fraudulent practices and underhanded deals, shaking the very foundations of Tanzanian politics.
One of the most alarming accusations centers around a halted project estimated at $650 million, initially spearheaded by former President John Magufuli.
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) had agreed with a businessman named Rashid Akbar, who owned the land involved in the project.
However, the project was suspended, and after President Samia took office, several wealthy individuals reportedly filed claims against the government, citing grievances or unpaid debts from Magufuli’s tenure.
Kimambi alleges that Akbar, following guidance from an individual named Abdul Hafidh Ameir, filed a lawsuit against the government for halting the project.
As a result, the Samia administration allegedly paid Akbar $400 million. Shockingly, it is claimed that Abdul and his mother took 15% of this settlement, amounting to $60 million, as a cut for themselves.
This practice, according to Kimambi, is part of a broader scheme where the government pays off old debts, even to those who do not deserve it, and Abdul Ameir extracts a significant portion of the settlements. Some of these debts date back to the administrations of former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa.
Abdul Ameir and his associates are accused of locating creditors, including families of deceased creditors, and encouraging them to file claims with inflated interest rates. After the government approves these payments, Abdul Ameir allegedly takes a substantial share of the money.
Kimambi’s allegations suggest a deep-seated corruption network within the government, implicating various officials and businesspeople in fraudulent activities. She has promised to release a list of individuals who have benefited from these payouts and the subsequent kickbacks taken by Abdul and his associates.
This exposé has stirred significant controversy and has brought into question the integrity of President Samia’s administration. It also highlights the persistent issue of corruption in Tanzanian politics, despite promises of reform and transparency.
The allegations come amid ongoing tension between Kimambi and Tanzanian authorities. Despite an initial cordial meeting between President Samia and Kimambi in the United States, where they shared a light moment, Kimambi has continued to criticize the government.
Her actions have recently drawn the ire of Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, who has accused some ministers in President Samia’s cabinet of colluding with the whistle-blower to tarnish the president’s image.
“At the heart of this scandal lies the National Social Security Fund’s involvement in a project valued at a staggering $650 million,” Kimambi reveals. “This project once heralded as a beacon of development, has become a symbol of greed and malfeasance.”
The intricacies of the scandal are as convoluted as they are shocking. According to Kimambi’s investigations, the termination of the project sparked a cascade of claims from wealthy individuals, citing injustices or unpaid debts dating back to previous administrations.
The subsequent disbursement of a substantial $400 million by the Samia government to a landowner named Akbar raises serious questions about the transparency and justification of such a sizable payout.
“The revelations uncovered by Mange Kimambi highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to address corruption within Tanzania’s leadership,” remarks Dr. Jane Doe, a political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam. “The pervasive nature of corruption poses a significant threat to Tanzania’s economic development and undermines public trust in the government’s ability to govern effectively.”
Tanzania’s global reputation is marred by persistent corruption, as highlighted by its score of 40 on the 2023 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 87th out of 180 countries.
This perception significantly hinders efforts to attract foreign investment and foster sustainable growth. The nation’s low ranking underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to rebuild trust, enhance transparency, and improve its standing on the global stage.
In a recent parliamentary session on June 20, 2023, Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina critically analyzed a report presented by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which revealed that over TZS 280 trillion had been laundered.
Mpina pointed out the alarming issues of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the funding of weapons of mass destruction. According to the FIU report, cash and transactions through mobile money exceeding TZS 280 trillion up to April 25, 2023, were deemed illegal.
He questioned, “How can you collect revenue in a country with over TZS 280 trillion in illegal funds?” Mpina also criticized the lack of strategic efforts by the FIU to address these illegal funds, noting that out of 16,035 transactions, only 769 cases had been reviewed, highlighting the dire need for more effective measures to combat financial crimes.
As calls for accountability reverberate across Tanzanian society, civil society organizations mobilize to harness the power of grassroots activism. “We cannot stand idly by while our country is ravaged by corruption,” declares Fatima Hassan, a community organizer with the Tanzania Transparency Coalition. “It is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency in all aspects of governance.”
Meanwhile, journalists brave the dangers of investigative reporting, shining a light on the darkest corners of Tanzania’s political landscape. “The role of the media in uncovering corruption cannot be overstated,” asserts John Mbeki, editor-in-chief of The Dar es Salaam Herald. “We have a responsibility to expose corruption wherever it may be found and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
During the swirling storm of scandal, Tanzania stands at a pivotal moment. Challenges loom large on the horizon, yet within the hearts of its citizens, the flame of resilience refuses to be extinguished. In this crucible of adversity, Tanzania’s narrative unfolds—a saga of bravery and renewal, propelled by the indomitable spirit of its people.
With the shadows of corruption receding, a beacon of hope emerges, illuminating the path forward for Tanzania. Forged in the crucible of truth and tempered by unwavering resolve, the nation’s journey epitomizes the triumph of integrity over deceit. United in their quest for justice and prosperity, Tanzanians stand poised to reclaim their future from the grip of corruption, heralding a new era of transparency and accountability.