Faith Nyasuguta
Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been named among the top 100 most influential people on earth by the renowned Time magazine.
The development has seen President Suluhu join other prominent figures in the 2022 list, including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
The Time 100 Most Influential People in the World list is divided into six categories: Pioneers, Icons, Artists, Titans, Leaders and Innovators. Samia is named under the Leaders category.
Despite not being new in Tanzania’s political scenes, she was sworn in as president on March 19, 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli.
For the one year she has reigned as head of state, Samia has appointed more women to her cabinet to lead prominent ministries, including ministries of Health, Tourism and Security. She has also managed to hold talks with opposition leader Freeman Mbowe three times.
Her leadership has been a tonic,” noted Time magazine.
“That year has made a big difference to Tanzania. A door has opened for dialogue between political rivals, steps have been taken to rebuild trust in the democratic system, efforts have been made to increase press freedom, and women and girls have a new role model.”
President Samia, who was born and raised in Zanzibar Island, began her political career in 2000 when she was elected as a special seat member to the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Unlike her predecessor, President Samia is a soft politician, who has recently insisted on peaceful, decent political campaigns.
