Remembering Edward Moringe Sokoine: A Legacy of Service and Leadership

 Remembering Edward Moringe Sokoine: A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Today marks the 40th anniversary since the passing of the former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honorable Edward Moringe Sokoine. 

Sokoine served as the Third Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania twice, from February 13, 1977, to November 7, 1980, and from February 24, 1983, until his untimely demise on April 12, 1984, due to a car accident.

On the afternoon of April 12, 1984, Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD) abruptly halted its broadcasts, followed by the national anthem. President Julius Nyerere then announced with profound sorrow the tragic loss of Sokoine, stating, "Dear citizens, today our brother and son, the Prime Minister of Tanzania, was on his way to Dar es Salaam when his car was involved in a fatal accident, leading to his demise."

Edward Sokoine was born on Monday, August 1, 1938, in the town of Monduli, Arusha region. He received his primary and secondary education at Monduli School before joining Omboy School in 1956 to complete his secondary education.

In 1961, Sokoine joined the Tanganyika National Union (TANU), just a few months before Tanganyika's independence. After joining TANU, he traveled to Germany for higher education in the field of administration. In 1963, he returned home ready to contribute to the development of his nation. Upon his return from Europe, Sokoine was appointed as the District Executive Officer (DEO) for Maasai.

In 1965, at the age of 27, Edward Sokoine entered the parliamentary race and successfully won the Maasai constituency election. Despite his young age, his intellect impressed many, including President Julius Nyerere, who appointed him as the Deputy Minister of Communications, Transport, and Labor in 1967. Later, Sokoine was promoted to the position of Minister of Defense of Tanzania in 1972. After the merger of TANU and ASP to form CCM on February 5, 1977, Hon. Sokoine became a member of the CCM Central Committee.

Sokoine played a crucial role in the Kagera War of 1979. Before the onset of hostilities, he issued directives for all regional authorities to gather essential supplies in preparation for the conflict. On January 23, 1979, he made an encouraging visit to the soldiers in Mutukura. Ultimately, Tanzania emerged victorious in the war. Sokoine dedicated himself wholeheartedly during the conflict, which took a toll on his health.

In November 1980, Sokoine resigned as Prime Minister and went to Yugoslavia for treatment. His position was temporarily filled by Cleopa David Msuya. One of the illnesses he struggled with was diabetes.

Sokoine returned from Yugoslavia in 1983 fully recovered from his illness. President Nyerere then reinstated him as Prime Minister, replacing Msuya, who seemed to have been "keeping the seat warm" for Sokoine.

On April 5, 1983, President Nyerere launched a vigorous campaign against economic saboteurs following the passing of the Economic Sabotage Act No. 9 of 1983. This campaign was conducted under the supervision of Sokoine.

He was known for his dedication to the community. He chose to contribute a portion of his salary to help others and also established the President's Trust Fund, allocating part of his income to provide loans for women.

Edward Moringe Sokoine passed away tragically in a car accident on April 12, 1984, in Morogoro while traveling from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam. He was 45 years old and left behind two wives and eleven children. One of his children is Ambassador Joseph Edward Sokoine, who has served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is currently our ambassador to Canada.

Sokoine's body was brought to the State House at eleven o'clock in the evening of the same day, draped in the national flag. It was received by various leaders, led by President Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

Edward Moringe Sokoine was laid to rest in his hometown of Monduli, Arusha region. At the time of his death, he was considered one of the potential successors to Mwalimu Nyerere, who had announced his retirement in 1985.

Sokoine initiated the system of "daladala" after observing the decline of UDA. He allowed owners of small private buses to provide transportation in Dar es Salaam under a license from the government-owned bus company, UDA. These small buses came to be called "daladalas" because the new five-shilling coin was the fare, equivalent to one U.S. dollar (i.e., 5 shillings was equal to 1 dollar).

Sokoine will remain one of the best and most influential Prime Ministers. May the soul of the late Edward Moringe Sokoine rest in eternal peace.