On May 16th, 2024, Ambassador Paul Beresford-Hill met with Ambassador Hussein Athuman Kattanga, the Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations.
Ambassador Kattanga brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations, having assumed this position in April 2023. Prior to his current appointment, Ambassador Kattanga served as Chief Secretary of the Government of Tanzania from April 2021 to January 2023, where he held key positions including Chief Secretary to the President, Secretary of the Cabinet, and Secretary of the National Security Council. One of his previous roles included that of Ambassador in Japan, overseeing diplomatic relations with Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Before this, Ambassador Kattanga served as the Administrator and Chief Executive of the Court of Tanzania from August 2012 to October 2019. With over 27 years of experience in the civil service, Ambassador Kattanga has held various high-ranking positions, including Executive Director of Mbinga District, Director of Kinondoni Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam, and Regional Administrative Secretary in Singida and Morogoro regions, among others. Ambassador Kattanga holds a postgraduate diploma in finance from the Institute of Finance Management in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and a Master of Science in finance from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Ambassador Beresford-Hill provided Ambassador Kattanga with an overview of the historical background of the Order of Malta, emphasising its extensive involvement in both diplomatic endeavors and humanitarian initiatives globally. Ambassador Kattanga expressed keen interest in the extensive operations and outreach efforts undertaken by the Order of Malta, particularly in regions most affected by conflict and humanitarian disasters. He commended the Order for its humanitarian work and acknowledged its value.
A focal point of the discussion was the Order’s sustained presence in the Mtendeli refugee camp in Tanzania, where it once operated a maternity clinic assisting both Burundian refugees and local populations. Ambassador Beresford-Hill underscored the broader scope of the Order’s endeavors in providing assistance to migrants and refugees, citing projects in various countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Ukraine, as well as in Palestine.
The ambassadors also discussed the legacy of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, who is being considered for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Ambassador Kattanga highlighted President Nyerere’s significant contributions to Tanzania’s enduring peace and emphasised the nation’s ethos of inclusivity and unity transcending tribal divisions. He also touched upon Tanzania’s proactive approach in supporting refugees, as a testament to the country’s commitment to social cohesion. Ambassador Kattanga described a vision for improving access to healthcare and education in Tanzania, demonstrating the country’s determination towards achieving its developmental aspirations.
In closing, both ambassadors expressed anticipation for potential future collaborations between the Order of Malta and Tanzania, underscoring their shared interest in addressing humanitarian issues.
