Nearly half a century of freedom, and here we are, poor and desperate ...

In a country that was once proud of its egalitarianism, inequality has sunk a taproot within the polity.

Last week’s press was despondent.

Almost all the articles in the non-government papers and most of the commentaries on FM radio stations dwelt on how little the Tanzanian masses had to cheer about on this anniversary, so that the celebrations, such as they were, became a muted affair limited to the usual military parade and little else.

Will this despondency continue all the way to the 50th anniversary?

Not necessarily. Tanzanians have not lost all faith in President Jakaya Kikwete, even if more are wont to criticise him now than they were, say, three years ago.

They believe he can still salvage something of his legacy by arresting the situation before it gets any worse.

But can he?

Jenerali Ulimwengu is a political commentator and civil-society activist based in Dar es Salaam. E-mail: jenerali@gmail.com