Tanzania: Kikwete-Lissu Encounter at Prof Sarungi's Funeral, Moment of Significance or Mere Formality?

A Political Gesture or Mere Courtesy?

Analyst: Evarist Chahali

Date: March 11, 2025

Sunday’s unexpected encounter between former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and opposition leader Tundu Lissu at the funeral of Professor Philemon Sarungi has become a topic of national debate. For some, this meeting signifies a moment of political importance, potentially bridging gaps in Tanzania’s divided political landscape. For others, it was nothing more than a routine, polite exchange between two individuals attending a funeral—an event governed by social etiquette rather than political strategy.

As the dust settles, the question remains: does this encounter hold any political significance, or was it simply a symbolic act with no lasting impact? By examining the context, the implications, and the broader political climate, we can explore both sides of the argument before concluding whether this handshake was an event worth noting or merely a fleeting formality.