Colonial Origins of Postcolonial Authoritarianism in Tanzania: The Reflection on Democracy

Abstract

The authoritarian style of rule and democratization in Tanzania after independence cannot be understood without analyzing the colonial state and the nature of its administration. The colonial state was alien, illegitimate, and established to facilitate the exploitation of Tanzanians and their resources. It was also compounded with highly centralized power, suppression and coercion, and imprisonment of anyone threatening the authority of the state. These features were against democratic principles thus, facilitated resistance to colonial rule. Political opposition was forbidden. Civil liberties were not respected. Coercion was the order of the day, and the colonial state did not hesitate to deport or imprison anyone threatening its authority. Independence was cheered by the masses as a new chapter in the road towards democracy and development. But to their disappointment, the postcolonial state was of similar caliber to the colonial state. As such, colonial legacies of authoritarianism continued to dominate. This has not changed to date, posing a threat to building a developmental and democratic state. This paper discusses the colonial heritage of authoritarianism and its reflection to “democratic” Tanzania. It argues that the administrative structure of post-colonial government in Tanzania, imitated the colonial administrative styles of rule, which works against contemporary democratic ideals.