Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu cut short her trip in the United Arab Emirates – UAE, where she was attending COP 28.
Notably, President Suluhu was forced to end her trip to Dubai prematurely following a landslides tragedy that hit part of Northern Tanzania in Hanang on Sunday, December 3.
Suluhu was among other Presidents, Heads of State and government, leaders and delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), when the disaster struck.
At the same time, Kenya’s President William Ruto, was also part of the high-level summit on climate change.
The landslides, which killed more than 68 people, were caused by floods that hit the region following El Nino rains.
Tanzania’s Prime minister Kassim Majaliwa announced Suluhu’s decision to cancel the trip and rush back home.
“The President has decided to cut short her trip and she will be flying back home as soon as possible to address the crisis,” he said.
Kenyans call out Ruto
Kenyans online reacted to the cancellation of the trip by the Tanzanian Head of State, comparing the events to what’s happening in Kenya amid the El Nino crisis.
Former Member of Parliament Alfred Keter called out President Ruto for extending his trips abroad, following his state visit to India.
Also Read: 47 Killed and Scores Injured in Landslides
“El Niño floods death toll was 154, half a million displaced as per December 4 in Kenya and Zakayo added himself another foreign trip while Suluhu cuts short her trip as death toll hits 57 people in Tanzania,” said Keter.
Another X user went on to claim that President Ruto was keen on his trips more than Kenyan lives.
“Ruto could never, his trips are more important. He was still traveling while Kenyans were dying from floods,” said Dennis Musyoka.
President Samia Suluhu was also lauded by a section of netizens, praising the move as an act of good leadership.
“She didn’t blame them for residing in ‘landslide prone areas’ nor did she tell their leaders to join govt. in order to get help. That’s a Leader!” said Pollyish.
In contrast, another user questioned President Ruto’s leadership following his visit to India shortly after leaving the COP 28.
Abdi Said reacted, “Yet Ruto left Kenyans dying from floods, went to Dubai, and now to India as floods continue killing his subjects. Worst leadership Kenya has ever seen.”
Tanzania floods
Apart from the death toll, a total of 1,150 households and about 750 acres of crops were damaged in the disaster, according to a State House statement.
In addition, 85 other people were hospitalized in various health facilities around the Manyara and Hanang regions.
Consequently, the head of state on Monday December 4 announced that she had instructed the Prime Minister to spearhead all efforts through state agencies that would restore normalcy.
“The government will cover for all the funeral costs of our brothers and sisters who lost lives and also cater for medical fees for all the injured,” she said in a statement.
Samia Suluhu at COP 28
Also Read: COP 28: Collaboration Crucial to Tackling the Climate Emergency
President Hassan emphasized that climate change was not a distant threat but an urgent crisis requiring immediate action.
During her speech at COP28, she addressed the global community, emphasizing the urgency of climate action.
Additionally, she highlighted the unfulfilled commitments made during previous climate conferences, including the resolutions as agreed in Paris to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
She went on to state, “It must be said, unfulfilled commitments erode solidarity and trust and have detrimental and costly consequences for developing countries.”
