A ship docked at the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Photo/Shutterstock
By The African Exponent
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (TAE)-In a strategic move, the Tanzanian government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has extended a significant offer to Uganda amid its ongoing stalemate with Kenya regarding oil importation. This gesture aims to position Tanzania as a key player in regional trade and diplomacy.
The East African nation has proposed to allow the Uganda National Oil Company (Unoc) to utilize the Dar es Salaam port for the importation of its fuel, offering a timely alternative as tensions with Kenya persist. The offer comes at a crucial time when Uganda’s demands from Kenya remain unmet, and the dispute has escalated to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), awaiting a verdict without fixed timelines.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest Uganda’s inclination to withdraw the case, a development Kenya is eagerly anticipating. However, the legal process’s slow pace and uncertain outcome have prompted Uganda to explore alternative solutions to ensure the steady importation of petroleum and other essential products.
The rare convergence of Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania in Zanzibar marks a significant diplomatic endeavour. This tripartite meeting, reportedly initiated by Uganda, underscores the urgency and importance of resolving the importation deadlock.
President Samia’s offer represents a strategic manoeuvre to bolster Tanzania’s role in regional commerce and diplomacy, potentially transforming the dynamics of East African trade. By providing Uganda with an alternative route for its oil imports, Tanzania not only stands to benefit economically but also strengthens its diplomatic ties with its neighbours.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of Tanzania’s intervention on the Kenya-Uganda stalemate and the broader regional trade dynamics remain to be seen. The move underscores the intricate balance of cooperation and competition among East African nations, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of regional integration and economic development.