New Digital Archive Reveals Tanzania And Africa’s Role In … – Africa.com

Today, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan,  officially launched the Salim Ahmed Salim Digital Archive (the SAS Digital Archive), a website  dedicated to the work and contributions of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, renowned international  diplomat, former Prime Minister of Tanzania and Secretary-General of the Organization of African  Unity (OAU).  

The launch, which took place at an official ceremony at the Julius Nyerere International Convention  Centre in Dar es Salaam, unveiled Tanzania’s first digital archive. Focusing on the work of Dr. Salim,  the archive explores the country’s role and journey in international diplomacy, the anti-Apartheid  movement, liberation struggle against colonialism as well as the broader role African countries  played in geopolitics from the 1960s through to the early 2000s.  

During her speech prior to launching the Archive, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the  United Republic of Tanzania, stated: 

“The Salim Ahmed Salim Digital Archive aims to provide unprecedented insight and access to how  Tanzania and other African countries played a role in global history and international diplomacy. It  seeks to educate, inform and provide a unique glimpse into the history of Tanzania and Africa  through the perspective of one of Africa’s most distinguished diplomats.” 

The SAS Digital Archive, (www.salimahmedsalim.com), captures the story of Dr. Salim’s contributions to public service and provides insight into the history of global politics in an African  context.  

The archive consists of interviews, speeches, academic papers, personal notes and  correspondences, news clippings and photos with additional materials to be added. 

THE OFFICE OF DR. SALIM AHMED SALIM 

Former Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania 

Former Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity 

Notable Documents in the Archive 

• Personal notes detailing a proposed mission by the Carter Administration to send Dr. Salim  to help negotiate the release of the American hostages in Tehran in 1979;  

• Press coverage, meeting minutes and personal notes detailing the 1981 UN Secretary General  campaign that almost saw Africa’s first candidate secure the position; 

• Bilateral engagements and conversations over the most pressing issues of the day with  influential leaders like: President Mwalimu Nyerere; President Robert Mugabe, President  Nelson Mandela; President Hosni Mubarak; President Kenneth Kaunda; Prime Minister Meles  Zenawi; and President George Bush to name a few;  

• The first visit to the United Nations by Pope John Paul II and Fidel Castro, weeks apart, while  Dr. Salim was President of the General Assembly.