By Adonis Byemelwa
In the complex world of diplomacy, few
figures stand out as prominently as Ambassador Liberata Mulamula. Her career,
spanning over three decades, is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and
remarkable skill in navigating the often turbulent waters of international
relations.
From her early days as a promising
student at the University of Dar es Salaam to her recent controversial removal
from the Tanzanian Cabinet, Mulamula’s story is one of ambition, achievement,
and unyielding commitment to her country.
Born on April 10, 1956, in Muleba,
Bukoba, Mulamula’s early life was shaped by her father, a dedicated
professional teacher and educational administrator.
This foundation set the stage for her
academic pursuits, which saw her excel at various prestigious institutions,
culminating in a BA honors degree in Political Science and International
Relations from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1980.
Her academic journey didn’t stop there; she
later obtained her MA in Government and Politics from St. John’s University,
New York.
“My father instilled in me the
importance of education and the value of hard work, emphasizing to ensure no
one steals my confidence. These principles have guided me throughout my
career,” Mulamula reflects.
Mulamula’s entry into the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in 1980 marked the beginning of a distinguished career. She
undertook professional training in diplomacy at the Mozambique-Tanzania Centre
for Foreign Relations, further honing her skills.
Her work took her to various
diplomatic missions, including Canada and the United States, where she served
with distinction. In 2006, Mulamula was appointed the first Executive Secretary
of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a position
she held until 2011.
Her leadership during this period was pivotal
in addressing issues of peace, stability, and development in one of Africa’s
most volatile regions.
“The ICGLR role was one of the most
challenging yet rewarding phases of my career. It was about bringing nations
together to address common issues and finding lasting solutions,” she explains.
Mulamula’s career is marked by several
notable firsts. In 2015, she became the first female appointed Permanent
Secretary of the Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation.
Her role involved extensive administrative and
financial responsibilities, managing the ministerial staff, and overseeing
Tanzania’s embassies abroad. Her achievements in this role were significant.
She acted as a liaison for all
diplomatic and foreign-engagement matters, ensuring smooth operations for
foreign-based diplomatic missions in Tanzania. Her work was characterized by a
high level of integrity, competence, and outstanding performance.
Despite her illustrious career,
Mulamula’s recent exit from the Tanzanian Cabinet has sparked considerable
controversy and speculation. President Samia Suluhu’s decision to replace her
with former Defence Minister Stergomena Tax came shortly after Mulamula’s
return from the UN General Assembly in New York, where she was part of Vice
President Philip Mpango’s delegation.
The president’s cryptic comments about
officials “overstepping their boundaries” fueled speculation that a
widely-circulated photo of Mulamula posing with US President Joe Biden and
First Lady Jill Biden may have played a role in her dismissal.
The photo, which was published on
social media by both the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the US Embassy in
Tanzania, was misconstrued by some as Mulamula usurping Mpango’s position as
the official representative.
In a rare public statement, Mulamula
addressed the incident, saying, “I was there in my capacity as Foreign Affairs
Minister. The photo was a simple gesture of diplomacy, nothing more and I can
hardly question the Head of State’s decision.”
Throughout her career, Mulamula has
managed to balance her demanding professional life with her responsibilities.
Despite the challenges of her
high-profile roles, she maintains a close-knit family life with her
understanding husband George, who supports her demanding schedule of frequent
trips. Together, they cherish their two children, Tanya and Alvin.
“Family has always been my anchor.
Their support has been invaluable, especially during the most challenging
times,” Mulamula shares.
Mulamula’s legacy is one of breaking
barriers and setting new standards for women in diplomacy. Her extensive
experience in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy has equipped her with a
unique perspective on global politics.
As a part-time lecturer on the “Art of
Negotiations” at the Centre for Foreign Relations in Dar es Salaam, she has
also played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of diplomats.
Her advice to young women aspiring to
lead in international affairs is straightforward: “Stay true to your values,
work hard, and never underestimate the power of education.”
Despite her recent political setback,
Mulamula remains optimistic about the future. She continues to be involved in
various academic and diplomatic activities, including her role as a Visiting
Scholar and Associate Director at George Washington University’s Elliott School
of International Affairs.
As Mulamula reflects on her journey,
she remains proud of her contributions to Tanzania and the broader
international community. Her work in peace negotiations, particularly in
Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, stands out as some of her most significant achievements.
“Diplomacy is about building bridges
and finding common ground. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it,” she
asserts.
Liberata Mulamula’s career is a
testament to her unwavering dedication to diplomacy and her country.
From her early days as a student to her recent
role as Foreign Affairs Minister, she has navigated the complexities of
international relations with grace and competence. Her story is one of
resilience, achievement, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference on
the global stage.
Tanzania's political landscape is a
testament to the power of integrity, dedication, and relentless pursuit of
peace and stability, embodied by figures like Mulamula. Her journey inspires
many, especially young women aspiring to excel in diplomacy.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan should
harness Mulamula's expertise and vision to fortify Tanzania's diplomatic
standing and drive forward initiatives that promote regional stability and
international cooperation. By leveraging Mulamula's caliber, President Hassan
can ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for Tanzania.