Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has shed more light on the private discussions she held with Kenyan President William Ruto following the controversy surrounding a proposed oil refinery project in Tanga that was announced during his recent state visit to Tanzania.
Speaking about the matter, President Samia revealed that she directly confronted President Ruto in a closed-door meeting after the public announcement of the multi-billion-dollar project. She explained that the declaration had caught her administration by surprise, particularly because the proposed refinery was expected to be located within Tanzanian territory and had not been formally discussed through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
According to Samia, she questioned why such a significant investment project had been unveiled publicly without prior consultation and agreement between the two governments. The Tanzanian leader stated that she raised the matter firmly, emphasizing the importance of coordination and mutual understanding before announcements involving strategic infrastructure projects are made.
She further noted that President Ruto acknowledged the concerns raised and recognized that the announcement had not been received positively. Reports indicate that the Kenyan leader admitted he was aware of the discomfort caused by the declaration and suggested that, had he anticipated the reaction, he might have proposed the refinery project for Mombasa instead of Tanga.
The incident occurred during a visit that was primarily intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and deepen economic cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania. However, the refinery proposal quickly emerged as the dominant topic of discussion, overshadowing several aspects of the broader bilateral agenda.
Political observers and regional analysts say the episode has reignited debate about the need for stronger coordination in regional diplomacy, particularly regarding major infrastructure and investment projects involving multiple governments. They argue that clear communication and joint planning are essential to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that public announcements accurately reflect agreed positions.
Despite the controversy, both Kenya and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, and regional integration.