President Samia calls on chiefs to condemn kidnappings

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged chiefs across the country to speak out against the ongoing abductions taking place in various regions.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan made this statement on Saturday, July 20, 2024 during a meeting with chiefs at the State House in Chamwino, Dodoma, amid reports of several alleged abductions including the case of Edgar Mwakabela ‘Sativa’ from Mbezi, Dar es Salaam who went missing on June 23, 2024 and was found on June 27 in Katavi Game Reserve with injuries.

In addition to the Sativa case, another incident involves Kombo Mbwana, a Chadema member in Handeni District, Tanga Region, who has been missing since June 15, and was revealed last week to be in police custody.

Following protests by activists and several lawyers, Kombo has been taken to court.

Regarding these kidnapping incidents, President Samia expressed her surprise at the increase in incidents while traditional leaders remain silent and fail to take action.

“It is happening, we watch it, we don’t talk about it, we don’t say anything, we don’t question it, it just happens and the media reports it while the leaders are present. This is not the Tanzania we want.

“I call on you, my fellow chiefs, to step forward and take responsibility and protect our children using our traditions and customs. No tribe in Tanzania, no region, should face such acts,” he said.

President Samia added: “If there are foreigners who bring this culture to us, we must reject it. It is not our culture.”

He also urged chiefs to educate the public about the consequences of such incidents, noting that questioning why they occur often leads people to associate them with elections.

“Let us educate our people, because when you question too much, you will hear: ‘Oh, there are elections coming up.’ Elections do not justify such acts. Tell politicians that positions are not obtained by killing people or by taking body parts from people; the one who gives authority is God. You can kill people and still not get what you want,” he said.

He added that such incidents are not good for the country or its reputation, as Tanzania has an important reputation both regionally and globally. Reports of such killings are damaging.

President Samia also requested that the institution of leadership operate in accordance with the country’s constitution, including respect for human rights in the administration of justice.

“Our constitution is the supreme law and it is our guide for governance at all levels, from the national to the local. All institutions in our country must be governed by this constitution. The institution of chieftaincy is a community institution and it must also function in accordance with the constitution. Just as we say that no one is above the law, we also say that no institution is above the supreme law. Our constitution promotes good governance, transparency and accountability, all of which uphold human rights,” he said.

He stressed that since one of the roles of chiefs is to resolve conflicts, they should also address the issue of conflicts between farmers and herders, which have cost lives.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Chief Aron Nyamilonda thanked the government for completing their request for ownership of traditional artefacts, which he described as essential to traditional rituals and identity.

“We have received confirmation that the law regarding the ownership of traditional artefacts that we use in various traditional activities, including as symbols of chieftaincy and official dress of traditional leaders, has been finalised,” he said.

Chief Nyamilonda said this law is important not only for chiefs but also for traditional healers and traditional dance performers.

He also discussed the challenges faced by chiefs, including difficulties in interpreting certain rules and laws governing traditional activities.

He listed these laws, including wildlife laws, forest laws and land laws.

He went on to say that despite the creation of a cultural unit for the preservation of culture, this unit has a limited budgetary capacity to promote and implement customs and traditions, despite its contribution to the protection of the community.

On the other hand, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, commended the cooperation they have received from the chiefs, noting that it has helped implement cultural activities in the country.

To recognise the role of chiefs, Minister Ndumbaro said they are preparing guidelines to recognise these leaders at various levels.

“The aim is to ensure that this group receives the respect of our community, led by Chief Hangaya (President Samia Suluhu Hassan),” said Minister Ndumbaro.