President Samia calls on chiefs to condemn kidnapping incidents

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged chiefs across the country to denounce the ongoing incidents of kidnapping occurring 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 various alleged kidnappings, 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.

Aside from Sativa's case, another incident involves Kombo Mbwana, a Chadema member in Handeni district, Tanga region, who has been missing since June 15, and it was revealed last week that he was being held by the police.

Due to the outcry from activists and various lawyers, Kombo has now been taken to court.

Regarding these kidnapping incidents, President Samia expressed her surprise at the increasing occurrences while traditional leaders remain silent and do not 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 gets reported in the media while leaders are present. This is not the Tanzania we want.

“I urge you, my fellow chiefs, to step up and take responsibility and protect our children using our traditions and customs. No tribe in Tanzania, no region, should be facing such acts,” she said.

President Samia added, “If there are outsiders bringing this culture to us, we should reject it. It is not our culture.”

She also urged the chiefs to educate the public about the consequences of these incidents and noted that questioning why they happen often leads people to associate them with elections.

“Let’s educate our people, because when you question a lot, you’ll hear, ‘Oh, elections are coming.’ Elections do not justify such acts. Tell politicians that positions are not obtained by killing people or by holding people’s body parts; the giver of authority is God. You might kill people and still not get what you want,” she stated.

She added that these incidents are not good for the country or for its reputation, as Tanzania holds a significant reputation both regionally and globally. Reports of such killings are detrimental.

Additionally, President Samia requested that the institution of chieftaincy operate according to the country’s constitution, including respecting human rights in the administration of justice.

“Our constitution is the supreme law and is our guide for governance at all levels, from national to local. Every institution within our country should be guided by this constitution. The chieftaincy institution is a community-based institution and should also operate in line with the constitution. Just as we say no one is above the law, we also say no institution is above the supreme law. Our constitution promotes good governance, transparency, and accountability, all of which uphold human rights,” she said.

She emphasised 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 for traditional rituals and identity.

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

Chief Nyamilonda stated that this law is important not only for chiefs but also for traditional healers and performers of traditional dances.

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

He listed these laws as including wildlife laws, forest laws, and land laws, among others.

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

On the other hand, the Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, praised the cooperation they have received from the chiefs and noted that it has helped in implementing cultural activities in the country.

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

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