President Samia Suluhu Hassan swore in Suleiman Abubakar Mombo as Director General of the National Intelligence Service on July 11, 2024, at the State House, Dar es Salaam. Photo: Courtesy
President Samia Appoints New TISS Chief Amidst Rising Security Concerns Ahead of 2025 Elections
By Adonis Byemelwa
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Suleiman Mombo as the new Director General of the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS). Mombo replaces Ambassador Ali Idi Siwa, who has retired.
The announcement was made by Acting Chief Secretary Mululi Majula Mahendeka in a statement signed by Acting Director of Presidential Communications, Sharifa Nyanga, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Mombo has already been sworn in by the President.
Before his appointment, Mombo was a Senior Officer in the President’s Office at the State House. He becomes the fourth Director General under President Samia’s administration since she assumed office on March 19, 2021.
When President Samia took office, the position was held by Diwani Athumani, who had been appointed by the late President John Magufuli. Athumani served in the role until January 2023.
On January 3, 2023, President Samia appointed Said Massoro to the position, who held it until August 2023. Subsequently, President Samia appointed Ambassador Ali Idi Siwa, who served until his retirement in July 2024.
The list of TISS leaders since independence includes Emilio Mzena (1961-1975), Dr. Lawrence Gama (1975-1978), Dr. Hassy Kitine (1978-1980), Ambassador Augustine Mahiga (1980-1983), Lieutenant General Imran Kombe (1983-1995), Apson Mwang’onda (1995-2005), Othman Rashid (2005-2016), Dr. Modestus Kipilimba (2016-2019), Diwani Athumani (2019-2023), Said Hussein Massoro (January-August 2023), and Ambassador Ali Idi Siwa (2023-July 2024).
The appointment of a new Director General of TISS by a sitting President is a significant event, especially considering the recent history of leadership changes in Tanzania’s security organs.
Following the death of President Magufuli, President Samia has made several strategic changes, including appointing new heads of the Chief of Defense Forces and the Inspector General of Police.
These changes reflect her commitment to reshaping the country’s security landscape and ensuring that the leadership aligns with her administration’s vision and policies.
In developed countries, it is not uncommon for new administrations to appoint new heads of key security agencies. This practice allows new leaders to ensure that those in critical positions are aligned with their security strategies and policy priorities.
For instance, in the United States, a new President typically appoints the Director of the CIA and other key intelligence and security officials shortly after taking office, says Iverson John, a diaspora based in Detroit.
According to an Australian-based architect, Tania Alexander, in the United Kingdom, the heads of MI5 and MI6 are appointed by the Prime Minister, often following consultations and with the intent of ensuring coherence with the government’s security objectives.”
The rationale behind these appointments is to bring fresh perspectives and approaches to national security challenges. It also allows for the implementation of new policies and strategies that may differ from those of previous administrations.
Political analysts say for Tanzania, these changes signal a proactive approach by President Samia to address evolving security threats and strengthen the country’s intelligence and security framework. This approach not only reinforces the President’s authority but also helps to instill confidence in the security apparatus among the public and international partners.
As the country approaches the 2025 General Elections amid concerns of abductions and security allegations, alongside ongoing traders’ strikes in major cities, the timing of this appointment is crucial.
The recent unrest has prompted President Samia to make a mini-cabinet reshuffle, moving Ashatu Kachwamba Kijaji from the Trade and Industry docket to Union and Environment, previously held by Dr. Seleman Jafo. This reshuffle underlines the administration’s urgent response to stabilize the situation and restore public trust.
The role of the Director General of TISS is vital in this context. The Director General is responsible for overseeing national intelligence operations, ensuring internal security, and advising the government on matters related to security threats.
Effective leadership in this position is essential for maintaining national stability, protecting citizens, and addressing any emerging security challenges. Mombo’s appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on these areas, bolstering the country’s preparedness and response capabilities as it navigates a complex pre-election environment.
