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Augustine Mahiga

Augustine Philip Mahiga (28 August 1945 – 1 May 2020)[1] was a Tanzanian diplomat and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in 2019 and 2020.[2] He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2019.[1] He previously served as the Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations from 2003 to 2010 and as the UN Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia from 2010 to 2013.[3]

Augustine Mahiga
5th Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
In office
3 March 2019 – 1 May 2020
PresidentJohn Magufuli
Preceded byPalamagamba Kabudi
Succeeded byMwigulu Nchemba
14th Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
12 December 2015 – 3 March 2019
Preceded byBernard Membe
Succeeded byPalamagamba John Aidan Mwaluko Kabudi
United Nations Special Envoy for Somalia
In office
9 June 2010 – 3 June 2013
Appointed byBan Ki-moon
Preceded byAhmedou Ould-Abdallah
Succeeded byNicholas Kay
Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations
In office
2003–2010
Preceded byDaudi Mwakawago
Succeeded byOmbeni Sefue
Personal details
Born(1945-08-28)28 August 1945
Tosamaganga, Iringa, Tanganyika
Died1 May 2020(2020-05-01) (aged 74)
Dodoma, Tanzania
NationalityTanzanian
Political partyCCM
Alma materUDSM (BA)
UToronto (MA), (PhD)

In December 2015, he was nominated as a Member of Parliament by President John Magufuli and thereafter appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Foreign Affairs.[4]

Early life and education

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Mahiga was born in Tosamaganga, Iringa on August 28, 1945.[3] He had his primary education between 1952 and 1955 at Tosamaganga primary school, between 1956 and 1959 at Tosamaganga middle school, between 1960 and 1963 at Tosamaganga secondary school and between 1964 and 1965 at Tosamaganga High School. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Education) at the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.[5] That same year, Mahiga completed a Masters of Arts at the University of Toronto (U of T).[5] He also received a PhD in International Relations in 1975 from the same institution.[5]

Personal life

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Mahiga was married and had three children.[3]

Career

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Permanent Representative to the United Nations

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Mahiga served as Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations from 2003 to 2010.[6]

UN Special Representative

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Between 2010 and 2013, he also served as the United Nations Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia.[3] He was appointed to the positions by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on 9 June 2010, replacing Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah.[3]

Kampala Accord

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On 9 June 2011, Mahiga, along with the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, oversaw a signed agreement in Kampala between Somalia's incumbent President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden.[7] After months of political infighting over whether to hold presidential elections in August 2011, the two politicians agreed to postpone the vote for a new president and parliamentary Speaker for one year in exchange for the resignation of the Premier within a period of thirty days.[7] The signed Kampala Accord would also see the well-regarded technocratic Cabinet that Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed had assembled in November 2010 re-composed to make way for a new government. Political analysts suggested that the agreement may have been a bid on President Sharif Ahmed's part to fend off attempts by the Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan to force him from power by pre-emptively "sacrificing" the Premier.[8] Hassan was reported to harbour presidential ambitions of his own.[9]

The announcement of Prime Minister Mohamed's proposed resignation was immediately met with protests in various cities. Thousands of civilians, many government soldiers, and some legislators marched through the streets of Mogadishu, calling for the dismissal of the President, the Parliament Speaker and the Parliament.[10][11] The crowd also demanded that the Premier be reinstated and described Mohamed as the "only honest leader in recent years".[10] Posters of the UN Special Envoy were symbolically burned, with protestors appealing to the UN Secretary General to dismiss Mahiga due to what many felt was the latter's infringement on Somalia's sovereignty through his signing of the Kampala agreement.[12] Attacks on hotels in which members of parliament were staying and at least five deaths were also reported. Additional demonstrations against the Premier's resignation were held in Galkacyo, a key trading city in the north-central Mudug region, as well as in Belet Hawo in the far south.[10] Internationally, protests also reportedly took place in Cairo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Sydney, London, Rome, Stockholm, Minneapolis and Toronto.[12]

In response, Prime Minister Mohamed released a statement through the state-run Radio Mogadishu commending the military for its rapid response and urging its troops to exercise restraint. He also appealed to the public to calm down, and indicated that "I have seen your expressions and heard your calls[...] You are part of the decision making – what you want must be heard."[10] Additionally, in a press conference, the Premier called for the immediate release of all protestors who had been detained, and stated that his administration would launch an independent investigation into their arrest.[13] Weighing in on the demonstrations, Mogadishu's Mayor Mohamed Nur suggested that "what [the demonstrators] have a problem with is that two people go and decide the fate of this government without considering the feelings of this population", and that putting the issue before Parliament for approval is a more democratic course of action.[14]

On 11 June 2011, Prime Minister Mohamed released a statement indicating that the Kampala decision ought to be presented in Parliament for debate and appraised according to the laws stipulated in the national constitution.[15] The Premier also stated that he would only step down if lawmakers voted to uphold the accord.[15] This was echoed by the Cabinet, which indicated in a press release that, after having convened to discuss the Kampala decision, the Ministers agreed that the accord must be put before Parliament for evaluation.[16] In addition, over 200 parliamentarians reportedly sought to urge the Prime Minister to reconvene Parliament so as to deliberate the decision, indicating in a separate statement that the accord deprived MPs of their legislative role vis-a-vis the government.[15]

On 12 June 2011, President Sharif Ahmed released a statement wherein he condemned the protests, describing them as "illegal".[16][17] He also suggested that some government officials were financing the rallies in Mogadishu, and warned that the Al-Shabaab group of Islamists that is waging war against the federal government could try to exploit the gatherings to launch terrorist attacks.[17]

The same day, news reports surfaced indicating that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon would sack Special Envoy Augustine Mahiga on account of a lack of tangible progress made and public confidence in Mahiga's work in Somalia. UN sources also stated that, due to prevalent allegations of graft, the Secretary General would fire half of the senior staff in various UN bureaus, including the UNPOS, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO and OCHA.[12]

In an interview on 16 June 2011, Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Alfredo Mantica, expressed support for Prime Minister Mohamed's position with regard to the Kampala agreement. Mantica stated that the Italian government believed that the accord ought to be reviewed in Parliament. He also indicated that "the prime minister has been in office five months. And [it is too] early to judge his work. But what he has done so far has been very positive. It has achieved important results. The government already seemed a miracle[...] The strength of the instability in Somalia is a constant. And the prime minister represents stability."[18]

On 19 June 2011, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed resigned from his position as Prime Minister of Somalia.[19] Part of the controversial Kampala Accord's conditions, the agreement would also see the mandates of the President, the Parliament Speaker and Deputies extended until August 2012, after which point new elections are to be organised.[20] In his farewell speech, Prime Minister Mohamed indicated that he was stepping down in "the interest of the Somali people and the current situation in Somalia".[19] He also thanked his Cabinet for its efforts in improving the security situation and the standards of governance in the country.[21]

Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Mohamed's former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, was appointed as Acting Premier later the same day.[20][22] A few days later, on 23 June 2011, Ali was named permanent Prime Minister.[23]

Prime Minister Mohamed's resignation was immediately met with anger by the general public and many lawmakers.[24] Apprehension regarding a possible resurgence of governmental corruption and lassitude, long-standing problems which Mohamed's administration had made significant strides toward eradicating, were cited as primary reasons for the consternation.[24] According to one legislator, many policy-makers are trying to repeal the Kampala decision, as it also "subject[s] the country to trusteeship." Another MP indicated that "lawmakers are united in their opposition to the deal" and "will object [to] it until we throw it away".[25]

Observers have suggested that Mohamed's resignation could offer militants an opportunity to capitalise on the situation and set back the territorial gains made by his administration in the ongoing insurgency in southern Somalia.[24] They have also opined that firing the Premier would not resolve the long-standing power struggle between President Sharif Ahmed and Parliament Speaker Sharif Hassan, but may inadvertently exacerbate and prolong it. Additionally, political analysts have suggested that the Kampala agreement presents other potential long-term issues, such as facilitating intervention and meddling by neighbouring countries, with the Ugandan government's role as the final arbiter, in particular, cited as problematic.[26]

Responding to the Kampala decision, the Al-Shabaab insurgent group's head of policy and regions, Sheikh Hussein Ali Fidow, told reporters on 22 June 2011 that the accord ended in failure since it was "an example [of how] the country is managed by Uganda" and that "it is clear for the Somali people and the international community that [the] Kampala meeting [on] Somalia was aimed to coerce the Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to step down". In addition, the spokesman suggested that Somalia's citizenry was aware of what was going on and that it did not recognise President Sharif Ahmed and the Parliament Speaker Sharif Hassan as legitimate governmental authorities. He also reiterated his group's call for Ugandan troops to withdraw from the country.[27][28]

On 24 June 2011, lawmakers reaffirmed their opposition to and intention of repealing the Kampala decision.[29] The chairman of the federal Information, Public Awareness, Culture and Heritage Committee, Awad Ahmed Ashareh, indicated that 165 legislators had tendered a motion in Parliament opposing the agreement, but the Speaker rebuffed it. Ashareh also stated that MPs would issue a vote of no confidence vis-a-vis the Speaker Hassan if he continued to refuse to permit debate to take place, suggesting that Hassan's refusal "contravenes the Charter and rules of procedure."[30]

Following talks with parliamentarians, President Sharif Ahmed asserted on 28 June 2011 that, on account of opposition amongst legislators to the Kampala decision, the accord would be brought before Parliament for deliberation. He also indicated that the agreement would not be implemented unless approved by lawmakers.[31]

End of term and extended career

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Mahiga's term as the UN Special Representative for Somalia ended on 3 June 2013. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon commended him on his close work with the Somali authorities, which saw the end of the transitional period and the establishment of a permanent Federal Government of Somalia. UK diplomat Nicholas Kay was concurrently appointed as Mahiga's replacement.[32]

After his retirement, he joined the Chama Cha Mapinduzi presidential nomination ticket in 2015, but lost to current President John Magufuli.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he addressed climate change as "an existential challenge to the planet", saying that it was "disheartening" to see melting ice from the Kilimanjaro.[33] In the same address, he acknowledged the threat of terrorism in Africa, noting the killing of a Tanzanian soldier in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Allied Democratic Forces insurgents and said that while his country was receiving refugees from that country, they would implement the peace agreement with the promise of timely elections in that country.[33] As Foreign Minister, he also expressed the position of Tanzania on nuclear weapons, commending the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and condemning North Korea for its tests.[33]

In 2019, after a cabinet reshuffle, he was appointed to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.[34] As Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, he blocked the right of individuals and NGOs to directly file cases against the country at the African Court on Human and People's Rights (AfCHPR). Amnesty International condemned the move by saying that "the withdrawal of rights will rob people and organizations in Tanzania a vital avenue to justice". In that decision, Tanzania became the second country after Rwanda to withdraw the right of individuals and NGOs to directly access the African Court.[35]

Death

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Mahiga died, after a short illness, believed to be COVID-19,[36] while being taken to medical facilities from his Dodoma home on 1 May 2020.[37][38]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b The Citizen Reporter (1 May 2020). "Tanzania's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Minister Augustine Mahiga has died". The Citizen.tz. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Augustine Mahiga Tanzanian Minister dies at age 74". EMEA Tribune. 1 May 2020. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e United Nations website. "Secretary-General Appoints Augustine P. Mahiga of United Republic of Tanzania Special Representative for Somalia". Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  4. ^ "Tanzanian president swaps foreign, justice ministers in cabinet mini-reshuffle". Xinhuanet. 4 March 2019. Archived from the original on 3 March 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  5. ^ a b c "Augustine Mahiga, former UN SRSG for Somalia, passes away". Hiraan Online. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Permanent Representatives". Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations. Archived from the original on 4 April 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  7. ^ a b Gettleman, Jeffrey (9 June 2011). "Somalia Extends Government; Premier Fired". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  8. ^ "Somali leaders agree to postpone elections by a year to fix security and political issues". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 10 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  9. ^ Reuters Editorial. "Somalia bars lawmakers from talks, US worried". AF. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2017. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  10. ^ a b c d Ibrahim, Mohammed (10 June 2011). "Bomb Kills Somalia Minister; Street Clashes Deadly". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  11. ^ Kampala Accord: A setback for the TFG and the International Community Archived 23 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ a b c "Sunatimes.com | East Africa Investigative Media". www.sunatimes.com. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  13. ^ Somalia prime minister says he won't resign Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ Shephard, Michelle (10 June 2011). "Death of 'Abdirahman the Canadian' investigated in Somalia". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  15. ^ a b c Reuters Editorial. "Somalia PM says will quit only if parliament agrees". AF. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2017. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ a b Somali parliament must vote on PM's dismissal: cabinet
  17. ^ a b Somali president: Mogadishu rallies funded by some politicians
  18. ^ Italy Supports Prime Minister Farmajo's position Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ a b "Somalia: PM Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed resigns". 19 June 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  20. ^ a b Jeffrey Gettleman (19 June 2011). "Lauded Somalian Prime Minister Resigns Under Pressure". The New York Times.
  21. ^ "Somalia's prime minister resigns". BBC News. 19 June 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  22. ^ "Somali Prime Minister Unveiled His Cabinet". English.alshahid.net. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  23. ^ Gettleman, Jeffrey (23 June 2011). "Somalia Names New Prime Minister". New York Times. Archived from the original on 26 June 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  24. ^ a b c McConnell, Tristan (15 June 2011). "Somalia PM refuses resignation deal". PRI. Global Post. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  25. ^ Anger in Somalia after prime minister resigns[dead link‍]
  26. ^ "Analysis: Somali power struggle could intensify as premier quits • Horseed Media". Horseed Media. 20 June 2011. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  27. ^ "Al shabab says Kampala meeting ended failure". Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
  28. ^ "Somalia: Al Shabaab - Kampala Accord Was TFG's Failure". Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu). 22 June 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  29. ^ "Somalia: Parliament Unanimously Approves Kampala Accord". Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu). AllAfrica. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  30. ^ Barasa, Lucas (24 June 2011). "Somalia: Return Country to Stability, New PM Urged". The Nation (Nairobi). Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  31. ^ Somali president says Kampala accord will not be conducted unless parliament approved
  32. ^ "Secretary-General Appoints Nicholas Kay of United Kingdom as Special Representative for Somalia". United Nations. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  33. ^ a b c "United Republic of Tanzania - H.E. Mr. Augustine P. Mahiga, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation". African Renewal. Sierra Leone News. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  34. ^ Kidanka, Christopher (1 May 2020). "Tanzanian Justice Minister Augustine Mahiga dies aged 74". The East African. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  35. ^ The Citizen (3 December 2019). "Amnesty reacts as Tanzania withdraws from African court". The East African. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  36. ^ "Tanzania hiding true number of Covid deaths, opposition says". Financial Times. 1 May 2020. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  37. ^ "Tanzania's Justice Minister Augustine Mahiga dies". SABC News. 1 May 2020.
  38. ^ "Tanzanian minister Augustine Mahiga dies at 72". Citizentv.co.ke. May 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
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