DAR ES SALAAM, June 8 -- THE recent article titled “The Moscow Miscalculation: Samias Russia Trip Is a Geopolitical Blunder Tanzania Cannot Afford” offers a strongly critical view of President Samia Suluhu Hassans historic visit to Russia.

It claims that the trip damages Tanzanias ties with Western countries, hampers diplomatic efforts with Washington and puts the country at economic and political risk.

Although these concerns merit discussion in a democratic society, the article has a notable flaw: It predominantly emphasises the estimated costs of engaging with Russia, while largely overlooking the possible advantages of diversified diplomacy, economic independence, strategic non-alignment and Tanzanias long-standing forei...