US leaders have showered praise on President Jakaya Kikwete for preserving democracy, respect for human rights and upholding the constitution during his tenure in office.
Above all, leaders from both the government and international institutions hailed Mr Kikwete for his resolve to hand over power at the end of his two five-year terms later this year as stipulated in the constitution of Tanzania.
President Kikwete was commended by various government leaders and executives of reputable international institutions during a series of meetings in Washington DC.
Mr Kikwete arrived in Washington on Tuesday from New York where he held meetings with a panel of eminent persons who were charting ways in which the world could protect itself from infectious diseases, following the adverse impacts of Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told President Kikwete that his envisaged decision to hand power at the end of his two terms of five years each sends a strong message to other leaders in the African continent.
“Your accomplishments in leadership are exemplary and distinguished in the whole of Africa. You have left a legacy of upholding democracy and constitution of your country,” Mr Blinken told the president during a meeting held at Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Before appointment in his current position at the end of last year, Mr Blinken was Deputy National Security Advisor for President Barack Obama and National Security Advisor to the Vice- President of United States.
During the administration of President Bill Clinton, Mr Blinken served in the State Department and in senior positions on the National Security Council Staff. At the same occasion, the President of National Democratic Institute (NDI), Mr Ken Wallack, told President Kikwete; “Through your decision of handling over power you are joining the group of respected leaders in Africa.”
Former US Ambassador to Tanzania and current President of International Republic Institute (IRI) of the Republican Party, Mr Mark Green, remarked; “You have left us with a legacy on preserving democracy in the world and particularly in Africa.”
The former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr Johnnie Carson, said President Kikwete was highly respected in the United States for his ten-year successful leadership in Tanzania.
Ambassador Carson is the current President of United States Institute of Peace and said the bilateral relations between the US and Tanzania have been cemented even further during the rule of President Kikwete.
The Chairman of NDI and former US Secretary of State, Ms Madeline Albright, could not attend the meeting, but nevertheless sent a congratulatory message to the visiting head of state.
Mr Kikwete said during the occasion that the presidency was not an easy task, stating that ten years in power is enough. “In Tanzania, it is our tradition to hold elections after every five years and if one is elected for two terms he/she should hand over the mantle of leadership,” Mr Kikwete said.
President Kikwete has returned to New York where he is expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Meanwhile, Tanzania is among three African countries to benefit from 5 million USdollar investments in the energy sector aimed at boosting economic growth and alleviate poverty.
The revelation was made by the Chief Executive of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Mr Raj Shah, during a meeting with President Kikwete.
Culled from Daily News
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