Tanzania bolsters anti-trafficking efforts with regional cooperation

Dar es Salaam. In a significant step forward in the battle against human trafficking, Tanzania has bolstered its efforts by joining forces with regional law enforcement experts.

This development comes as part of a US-supported initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of local agencies to tackle trafficking in persons (TIP) in the region.

On September 5, 2024, Dar es Salaam played host to a pivotal alumni meeting organised by the US Embassy and the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including police officers, immigration officials, prosecutors, prison officers, magistrates, social workers and labour officers.

The collaborative meeting underscored a crucial point: while Tanzania has made commendable strides in providing training on complex issues such as human trafficking and drug trafficking, international cooperation is indispensable.

“The problem of trafficking is often cross-border, and tackling it effectively requires coordination beyond our national borders,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police from the Tanzania’s Anti-Trafficking Secretariat, Ahmed Mwen-dadi.

Mr Mwendadi’s sentiments reflect a growing recognition among Tanzanian authorities that human trafficking is a multifaceted issue demanding a unified approach.

“Many of our law enforcement agencies lacked the knowledge and skills necessary to address TIP cases,” he noted.

“This training is not just about learning new skills; it's been about fundamentally transforming how we combat this crime.”

The alumni meeting was not merely a networking event; it was a strategic session aimed at refining and expanding the fight against TIP.

The participants included those who had previously received training from the ILEA.

These alumni have been equipped with the tools to handle crimes that cross national borders, bringing invaluable expertise to Tanzania’s efforts.

“These short-term training programmes have had a profound impact,” the Commissioner said.

“Over 350 law enforcers have benefited from these sessions, and we are already observing significant improvements in our approach to tackling trafficking.”

Despite these advances, the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report reveals that Tanzania still falls short of fully meeting the minimum standards for combating trafficking.

The report acknowledges the country’s increased efforts, such as operationalising specialised anti-trafficking units and enhancing victim referral services, but also highlights areas needing improvement.

Specifically, the report criticises the government for investigating fewer trafficking crimes and failing to secure convictions for traffickers.

“The inconsistent use of formal identification procedures and limited protection services have led to situations where potential trafficking victims are deported or detained without proper screening,” the report states.

Tanzania also faces internal trafficking issues, where victims are often trafficked abroad without adhering to legal procedures.

“We see survivors from virtually every region of Tanzania,” Mr Mwen-dadi said.

“This indicates the widespread nature of the problem and the urgent need for more effective measures.”

The situation underscores the necessity of regional cooperation. On this front, the US and Botswana have been instrumental. Since July 24, 2000, when they established the ILEA, their goal has been to provide critical training for middle managers in sub-Saharan Africa.

This training aims to enhance democratic governance, improve legislation, and combat narcotics trafficking and crime.
US Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Machel Battle, emphasised the importance of this collaborative effort.

“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human dignity and undermines the foundations of good governance and the rule of law,” he said. “Our mission is to advance peace and security, both in Tanzania and across the region.”

Mr Battle highlighted the role of the ILEA alumni network in this mission.

“Your partnership as fellow alumni creates an unshakable network of professionals who can support each other in the fight against trafficking,” he explained.

“Sharing best practices, collaborating across borders, and encouraging each other to strive for justice and a human-rights-centered approach are essential to taking our fight to the next level.”

The collaboration is set to enhance the effectiveness of Tanzania’s anti-trafficking efforts.

As experts from various fields come together to share knowledge and strategies, there is a renewed sense of hope that these coordinated efforts will bring about tangible improvements.

By leveraging international expertise and fostering cross-border cooperation, Tanzania is not only strengthening its own defenses but also contributing to a broader regional strategy aimed at eradicating one of the heinous crimes.