PRESIDENT John Magufuli has appointed former cabinet minister Mathias Chikawe, the country’s new Ambassador to Japan.
A statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications in Dar es Salaam quoted Chief Secretary (CS), Ambassador John Kijazi, as saying the appointment is effective April 13, 2016.
Before his new appointment, Mr Chikawe served as Home Affairs Minister in the past administration of President Jakaya Kikwete. He also served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Nachingwea Constituency for two terms -- 2005-2010 and 2010-2015.
He was Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs before he moved to Home Affairs. Chikawe was one of three new envoys named by Dr Magufuli mid- February, this year.
Other new Ambassadors appointed by the Head of State are former cabinet minister Dr Asha-Rose Migiro and Dr Ramadhani Dau, a former Director General of the state-run National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Mr Chikawe replaces Dr Batilda Burian, whose contract has expired. Dr Burian was appointed by former President Kikwete early last year as Ambassador to Japan.
Before the transfer, she served as the country’s High Commissioner to Kenya.
She had also served as Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office Responsible for Environment as Nominated Member of Parliament between 2006 and 2010.
