Harris enters the fray over democracy with visit to Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday encouraged Tanzania’s fragile progress toward a more inclusive government, stepping onto the front lines of America’s push to strengthen democracy in Africa as part of her weeklong trip to the continent. Standing alongside Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, Harris cited recent decisions from Tanzania such as lifting a ban on opposition rallies and encouraging more press freedom as “important and meaningful steps” toward democratic reforms. Hassan noted Tanzania’s participation in a virtual summit on democracy hosted by the White House this week, saying it “sends a clear message that the fathers of democracy recognize our efforts in building a democratic nation.” The Tanzanian leader is finishing out the term of President John Magufuli, who earned a reputation for stamping out dissent, arresting critics and forcing them into exile, before he died in office. During a news conference with Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo this week, Harris quoted the president’s words in a recent speech that “it is important we never forget that democracy is not a static achievement, but a promise that needs continuous nurturing.” Harris agreed, saying “there is a duality when it comes to democracies” because they are “an exhibition of strength and they are fragile.” The time with Tanzania’s Hassan provided Harris with another opportunity to highlight women’s issues in Africa, something she’s done repeatedly over the course of her trip. “Because the well-being of women will be a reflection of the well-being of all of society.” Hassan described her meeting with Harris was “another milestone” and would be an “inspiration and a testimony to Tanzanian young girls.” After her meeting with Hassan, Harris visited a memorial to the U.S. Embassy bombing in Tanzania on Aug. 7, 1998 — the day a simultaneous bombing took place in Kenya.